An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. A string or thin rope made of several strands braided, twisted, or woven together.
   

2. A cordlike structure (Dictionary.com).

Etymology (EN): M.E., from O.Fr. corde “rope, string, cord,” from L. chorda “string of a musical instrument, cat-gut,” from Gk. khorde “string, catgut, chord, cord,” from PIE root *ghere- “intestine” (etymonline.com).

Etymology (PE): → string.