1 [mass noun] thin, flexible string or rope made from several twisted strands:her feet were tied with cord
[count noun] a length of cord:a dressing-gown cord
[count noun] an anatomical structure resembling a length of cord (e.g. the spinal cord, the umbilical cord):the baby was still attached to its mother by the cord
[count noun] an electric flex:she began toying with the telephone cord
2 [mass noun] ribbed fabric, especially corduroy:the cloth for their suits was cord [as modifier]:cord jackets
(cords) corduroy trousers:he was dressed in faded black cords
attach a cord to: (as adjective corded)a corded curtain trackyou will need to cord the blind
cut the (umbilical) cord
cease to rely on someone or something protective or supportive and begin to act independently:the true innovators of hard rock, like Jimi Hendrix, finally cut the umbilical cord to traditional rock ‘n’ roll
