chord

Definition

A harmonic set of three or more notes that is heard as if sounding simultaneously.

Etymology

Variant of cord, with spelling alteration due to Latin chorda (“cord”), ultimately from Ancient Greek χορδή (khordḗ, “string of gut, the string of a lyre”). No relation to French accord (“chord”) and its derivations. Doublet of cuerda.

Example Sentences

• "He struck the opening chords of the passage; but this time Irene's voice was silent. Victor stopped in the middle of an arpeggio."
• "The simplest method of calculating the radius of a curve in situ is to measure the versine; in railway practice this is done by extending a tape 66 ft. (1 ch.) long in a straight line or chord between two points on the periphery of a curve, and then measuring the maximum distance of the rail from the chord at the centre of the 66 ft. The radius in chains is found by dividing the versine in inches into 99. Thus if a versine measures 3 in., the radius will be 33 ch."
• "Ctrl-K is the default first key for chords, but you can create chords using any keys that you want."

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