chords

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]