chords

1 definition found

chords - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Chord \Chord\ (k[^o]rd), n. [L chorda a gut, a string made of a
     gut, Gr. chordh`. In the sense of a string or small rope, in
     general, it is written cord. See Cord.]
     1. The string of a musical instrument. --Milton.
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     2. (Mus.) A combination of tones simultaneously performed,
        producing more or less perfect harmony, as, the common
        chord.
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     3. (Geom.) A right line uniting the extremities of the arc of
        a circle or curve.
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     4. (Anat.) A cord. See Cord, n., 4.
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     5. (Engin.) The upper or lower part of a truss, usually
        horizontal, resisting compression or tension. --Waddell.
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     Accidental, Common, & Vocal chords. See under
        Accidental, Common, and Vocal.
  
     Chord of an arch. See Illust. of Arch.
  
     Chord of curvature, a chord drawn from any point of a
        curve, in the circle of curvature for that point.
  
     Scale of chords. See Scale.
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