Chords

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  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.
        [1913 Webster]
  


     2. (Mus.) A combination of tones simultaneously performed,
        producing more or less perfect harmony, as, the common
        chord.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. (Geom.) A right line uniting the extremities of the arc of
        a circle or curve.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     4. (Anat.) A cord. See {Cord}, n., 4.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     5. (Engin.) The upper or lower part of a truss, usually
        horizontal, resisting compression or tension. --Waddell.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     {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}.
        [1913 Webster]