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Heartstrings

//ˈhɑːtstɹɪŋz// noun

Definitions

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. historical, plural, plural-normally
"Harte ſtrynges uenies de cuevr."
2
your deepest feelings of love and compassion wordnet
3
Synonym of chordae tendineae (“the cord-like tendons that connect the papillary muscles to the tricuspid valve and the mitral valve in the heart”). broadly, plural, plural-normally
"The atrioventricular valves are prevented from turning inside out by strands of connective tissue, which run from their underside to the walls of the ventricle. These are the so-called heartstrings or chordae tendin[e]ae."
4
The source of one's deepest emotions or inner feelings, especially compassion or love. figuratively, plural, plural-normally
"The sad eyes of the orphan tugged at my heartstrings."
5
The essential or vital part of something; the core, the essence, the heart. archaic, figuratively, plural, plural-normally
"And for to ſeeke out gemmes and ſome little ſtones, vve ſtrike pits deep vvithin the ground. Thus vvee plucke the very heart-ſtrings out of her [the Earth], and all to vveare on our finger one gemme or precious ſtone, to fulfill our pleaſure and deſire."

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.

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