heartstring

singular of heartstrings

Noun

  1. singular of heartstrings

    1. (anatomy, historical) A tendon or other structure resembling a cord once thought to be attached to, or to brace, the heart.

    2. (figurative) A source of one's deepest emotions or inner feelings, especially compassion or love.

    3. (figurative, archaic) The essential or vital part of something; the core, the essence, the heart.

      Synonyms: crux gist bowels sum brass tacks core essence drift guts gravamen heart heart and soul heartstring heartstrings inwardness kernel marrow meat moral of the story nitty-gritty nub nuts and bolts pith punctum saliens

Origin

From heart + string.

Forms

heartstrings