English Reference

Word

cord

Phoneticscord

US/ˈkɔɹd/

UK/kˈɔːd/

Definitions

01thick string

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. a long, thin, flexible material made of twisted threads, similar to a thin rope.

n. a flexible length of twisted yarns or strands of fibre, typically thicker than string but thinner than rope.

“He tied the heavy package together with a piece of strong nylon cord.”

“The climbers used a durable synthetic cord to secure their secondary gear to the rock face during the ascent.”

Synonyms

02electrical wire

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a flexible wire that carries electricity to a lamp or machine.

n. a flexible electrical conductor consisting of insulated wires protected by an outer sleeve.

“The vacuum cleaner has a very long cord so you can reach every corner.”

“The technician warned that the frayed power cord posed a significant fire hazard and required immediate replacement.”

Synonyms

03body structure

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Medicine Technical

n. a part of the body that looks like a cord, such as a nerve or a tendon.

n. an anatomical structure resembling a cord, specifically a tendon, nerve, or the spinal cord.

“The doctor explained that the spinal cord carries signals from the brain.”

“The surgeon was careful not to damage the vocal cords while performing the delicate procedure on the patient's throat.”

Synonyms

04wood measurement

C1 · Advanced Countable noun American English

n. a standard amount of wood used for fuel, usually a large stack.

n. a unit of measurement for firewood equal to 128 cubic feet, typically stacked four feet high and eight feet long.

“We ordered a full cord of wood to keep the fireplace burning all winter.”

“The homeowner calculated that two cords of seasoned oak would be sufficient to heat the cabin throughout the coldest months.”

Synonyms

05to tie or fasten

C1 · Advanced Formal

v. to tie something up or fasten it using a cord.

v. to bind, fasten, or secure an object using cords.

“The workers corded the bundles of newspapers before loading them onto the truck.”

“The antique trunk was corded tightly with hemp rope to ensure it remained closed during the long sea voyage.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

Usage

Countable when referring to a specific length or cable; uncountable when referring to the material in bulk.

Pitfall

I need to plug in the chord

I need to plug in the cord

Learners often confuse 'cord' (string/cable) with 'chord' (a group of musical notes played together).

Word family

NOUN

ADJECTIVE

Idioms

Domains

AnatomyMusic

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference