Cord facts for kids

A cord is generally a long, thin, flexible piece of material. It can be made from many strands twisted together, like a rope, or it can be a cable that carries electricity. The word "cord" is used in many different ways, from everyday objects to parts of your body!

Cords in Daily Life

Cords are all around us, helping us connect things or hold them together.

Electrical Cords

Many devices you use every day need electricity to work. An electrical cord is a cable with wires inside that carries electric power.

• A power cord connects an appliance, like a TV or a lamp, to an electrical outlet.
• An extension cord is a long power cord that lets you use electrical devices further away from an outlet.

Ropes, Strings, and Twine

Sometimes, "cord" means a strong string or a thin rope.

• Twine is a type of cord often used for tying packages or gardening.
• Thicker cords are used like small ropes for various tasks.

Cords in Sewing

In sewing, a cord can be a special trim.

• It's made of several threads twisted tightly together.
• Sewing cords are used to decorate clothes or furniture, giving them a raised, decorative edge.

Cords in Your Body

Your body has amazing "cords" that are vital for life.

Spinal Cord

The spinal cord is a very important part of your nervous system.

• It's a long, thin bundle of nerves that runs down your back, inside your spine.
• It acts like a superhighway, carrying messages between your brain and the rest of your body.
• These messages control your movements, feelings, and many body functions.

Umbilical Cord

The umbilical cord is a special connection that forms during pregnancy.

• It connects a developing baby inside its mother to the placenta.
• This cord carries oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the baby.
• It also takes away waste products from the baby.

Other Types of Cords

Cord as a Measurement

A cord can also be a unit of measurement, mostly for firewood.

• It measures a stack of wood that is 4 feet wide, 4 feet high, and 8 feet long.
• This is equal to 128 cubic feet of wood.

Vibrating Strings

In music and physics, a vibrating string can sometimes be called a cord.

• Think of the strings on a guitar or a piano.
• When these strings vibrate, they produce sound.