English Explanatory Dictionary

heartstrings

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The tendons or other structures resembling cords once thought to be attached to, or to brace, the heart; especially the aorta, pulmonary artery, and other large arteries connected to them; also, the diaphragm.
  2. Synonym of chordae tendineae (“the cord-like tendons that connect the papillary muscles to the tricuspid valve and the mitral valve in the heart”).
  3. The source of one's deepest emotions or inner feelings, especially compassion or love.
  4. The essential or vital part of something; the core, the essence, the heart.

Pronunciation

/ˈhɑːtstɹɪŋz/ /ˈhɑɹtˌstɹɪŋz/ En-us-heartstrings.ogg

Word forms

heartstrings heartstring heart-strings heart strings

Etymology

PIE word *ḱḗr From Late Middle English hartestrynges, hert strynges, from Middle English herte (“heart”) + strenges, strynges (“cords, strings”). The English word is analysable as heart + strings.

Synonyms

chordae tendineae bowels sum brass tacks core crux essence gist drift guts gravamen heart heart and soul heartstring heartstrings inwardness kernel marrow meat moral of the story nitty-gritty nub nuts and bolts pith punctum saliens quintessence soul spirit stuff substance tenor

Derived words

play on someone's heartstrings pull at someone's heartstrings tug at someone's heartstrings
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