弦
bowstring; string (of instrument); mainspring; chord
Meanings
5 senses · 25 examplesnoun
bowstring (elastic cord connecting two ends of a bow)
Specifically refers to the elastic cord on traditional bows, typically made of animal sinew.
The hunter tightened the bowstring.
The bowstring of this bow broke and needs to be replaced.
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Ancient warriors' bows and bowstrings were all handmade.
He carefully fitted a new string to the bow.
A bow cannot be used without a bowstring.
noun
string (of a musical instrument)
Refers to the strings on musical instruments that vibrate to produce sound.
This guitar needs new strings.
She gently plucked the strings, and beautiful music sounded.
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A violin has four strings.
The guzheng has many strings and is quite difficult to play.
He is tuning the instrument, adjusting the tightness of each string.
noun
mainspring (of a clock/watch)
Refers to the coiled spring in mechanical clocks or watches that provides power.
This old wall clock needs to be wound.
He winds his watch every morning.
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The mainspring of the clock broke and needs repair.
After winding, the clock can run for a whole day.
The mainspring of this toy car is loose and can't run anymore.
noun
chord (straight line connecting two points on a circle)
technicalIn geometry, refers to a straight line segment whose endpoints lie on a circle.
In a circle, the diameter is the longest chord.
This chord divides the circle into two parts.
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The teacher drew a circle and several chords on the blackboard.
We need to calculate the length of this chord.
The length of a chord is related to its distance from the center of the circle.
noun
hypotenuse (of a right triangle, in ancient Chinese geometry)
technicalHistorical term from ancient Chinese mathematics referring to the hypotenuse of a right triangle.
In ancient mathematics, the hypotenuse of a right triangle was called 'xian' (弦).
In the Pythagorean theorem, 'gou san gu si xian wu' (3-4-5 triangle).
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Ancient people called the hypotenuse of a right triangle 'xian' (弦).
When studying ancient mathematics, we encounter the term 'xian' (弦).
What is the length of the hypotenuse of this scalene right triangle?