heartstrings

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   The tendons or other structures resembling cords once thought to be attached to, or to…

   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.

   • Harte ſtrynges uenies de cuevr.
   • The Ueynes are ſpred foorth throughout the whole bodie, howbeit from one welhead, that is to ſay from the Liuer: ſo be the Sinews, howbeit from the Brayne; So likewiſe are the Heartſtrings, howbeit from the Heart.
   • The midriffe and heart-ſtrings do burn and beat very fearfully, and vvhen this vapour or fume is ſtirred, flyeth upvvard, the heart it ſelf beats, is ſore grieved, and faints, […]
2. 2

   Synonym of chordae tendineae (“the cord-like tendons that connect the papillary muscles…

   Synonym of chordae tendineae (“the cord-like tendons that connect the papillary muscles to the tricuspid valve and the mitral valve in the heart”).

   • 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.
3. 3

   The source of one's deepest emotions or inner feelings, especially compassion or love.

   • The sad eyes of the orphan tugged at my heartstrings.
   • Soone as ſhe heard the name of Artegall, / Her hart did leape, and all her hart-ſtrings tremble, / For ſudden ioy, and ſecret feare vvithall, […]
   • For thee thou faireſt, yet the falſeſt vvoman, / That ever broke mans heart-ſtrings.
4. ›+ 1 more definitionshow fewer

   1. 4

      The essential or vital part of something

      The essential or vital part of something; the core, the essence, the heart.

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