ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: Middle English hertstring, from hert heart + string
1. obsolete : a nerve or tendon supposed to support or sustain the heart
2. : the deepest emotions or affections — usually used in plural
tore at the heartstrings of memory — William Beebe
could touch the heartstrings of the audience — E.H.Collis