Reading Theme:

Language:

Font Size:

📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Cord: Definition, Common Uses & Key Differences (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：electrical wire (cord)

cord 🔊

/kɔːrd/

A flexible, insulated wire used to connect an electrical device to a power source.

Cord meaning illustrated: a white smartphone charging cord plugged into a wall socket.

electrical wire 🔊

➕

/ɪˈlɛktrɪkəl waɪər/

A flexible, insulated cable used for transmitting electricity or data to connect devices.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'chorda' (string, gut of an animal), borrowed into Greek 'khordē'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of the 'core' of a device needing a 'cord' to connect to power.

📖 Example

My phone is almost dead; I need to find my charging cord. 🔊 My phone is almost dead; I need to find my charging cord.

🔗 Collocations

charging cord – A cord specifically used to recharge a battery.

extension cord – A cord with a plug on one end and one or more sockets on the other to extend reach.

power cord – The main cord connecting an appliance to an electrical outlet.

🔄 Synonyms

wire (n.) – A thin, flexible strand of metal, often insulated, used for conducting electricity.

cable (n.) – A thick, strong rope of wires or fiber, often used for power transmission or telecommunications.

lead (n.) – A wire conveying electricity, commonly used in British English (e.g., power lead).

🚫 Antonyms

disconnect (v.) – To break the connection provided by a cord.

wireless (adj.) – Operating without the use of connecting wires or cables.

🌱 Derivatives

corded (adj.) – Equipped with or connected by a cord.

cordless (adj.) – Operating without a cord, using batteries or wireless technology.

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'chorda', meaning 'string' (originally made from animal gut). The modern 'electrical cord' meaning reflects technological adaptation, while the 'rope' sense remains from its original use in sailing, camping, and packaging.

Meaning 2：thick string (cord)

cord 🔊

/kɔːrd/

A strong, thick string made by twisting several strands together, used for tying or fastening things.

Cord definition example: hands tying a knot with thick beige cord around books.

thick string 🔊

➕

/θɪk strɪŋ/

A strong, twisted string, thicker than ordinary string but thinner than a rope, used for tying, binding, or fastening.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

He used a piece of cord to tie up the newspapers for recycling. 🔊 He used a piece of cord to tie up the newspapers for recycling.

🔗 Collocations

parachute cord – A strong, lightweight nylon cord originally used in parachutes, popular for outdoor gear.

cotton cord – Cord made from cotton fibers, often used in crafts or for lightweight tasks.

twisted cord – Cord made by twisting together multiple strands of material.

🔄 Synonyms

rope (n.) – A very strong, thick cord made by twisting or braiding fibers or wires.

string (n.) – A thin cord, usually made of twisted fibers, used for tying, binding, or hanging things.

twine (n.) – Strong thread or string consisting of two or more strands twisted together.

🚫 Antonyms

knot (n.) – A fastening made by tying a cord; conceptually the opposite of a straight, usable cord.

untie (v.) – To undo the fastening made by a cord.

🌱 Derivatives

cording (n.) – Material for making cords, or a decorative trimming resembling cord.

cordage (n.) – Cords or ropes, especially in a ship's rigging.