1. n. Mus. a group of (usu. three or more) notes sounded together, as a basis of harmony.
Derivatives:
chordal adj.
Etymology: orig. cord f. ACCORD: later confused with CHORD(2) 2. n.1 Math. & Aeron. etc. a straight line joining the ends of an arc, the wings of an aeroplane, etc.
2 Anat. CORD.
3 poet. the string of a harp etc.
4 Engin. one of the two principal members, usu. horizontal, of a truss.
Phrases and idioms:
strike a chord
1. recall something to a person's memory.
2 elicit sympathy. touch the right chord appeal skilfully to the emotions.
Derivatives:
chordal adj.
Etymology: 16th-c. refashioning of CORD after L chorda