skip to main content

The Kitchen Table

Phrase of the day 3/31

jim_1 (Zone 5B)

3 years ago

Cord of wood

The English word cord, meaning “a small rope made by twisting several strands together,” comes from the Latin chorda, meaning “catgut or cord.” The use of the word in cord of wood comes from the old practice of measuring a stack of firewood with a cord of a certain length. A cord of wood occupies 128 cubic feet and is usually arranged in a stack four feet high, four feet wide and eight feet in length.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

Annie Deighnaugh
3 years ago
A cord of wood...now that's something with which I have a lot of familiarity!
stacey_mb
3 years ago
Wood was commonly used for heating where I grew up, so this term is very familiar. And Annie, I have also chopped wood - a great form of exercise!
Related Discussions
Phrase of the day 12/31
Q
Comments (2)
I'm really enjoying these posts. Thanks jim_1.
...See More
Phrase of the day 3/24
Q
Comments (3)
I like that one! Rusty
...See More
Phrase of the day 3/26
Q
Comments (1)
I remember in the musical Jesus Christ Superstar, Judas refuses to accept the money given to him for disclosing Christ's location. "I don't want your blood money." I really like that movie for the music and acting, but especially love the way the beginning and end are framed by "real" scenes where the actors arrive and leave. Another wonderful Norman Jewison film.
...See More
Phrase of the day 3/27
Q
Comments (3)
I always knew what it meant, but I had no idea of how it originated. It's a term my mother always used in reference to phonies. But I doubt she knew where it came from, either, she probably never played a hand of poker in her life. Rusty
...See More

Related Stories

ECLECTIC HOMES Houzz Tour: Rebooting a 1930s Bungalow in 3 Days

By Mary Jo Bowling

A design team mixes old and new to upgrade a computer science teacher's home in a flash

BATHROOM MAKEOVERS Room of the Day: See the Bathroom That Helped a House Sell in a Day

By Annie Thornton

Sophisticated but sensitive bathroom upgrades help a century-old house move fast on the market

SMALL SPACES New This Week: 3 Powder Rooms, 3 Winning Styles

By Mitchell Parker

Traditional, contemporary and modern farmhouse looks transform these small spaces

FUN HOUZZ A Perfect Day for a Sandcastle Contest

Architects take to the beach to display their skills during AIA Houston’s 31st annual sandcastle competition

EVENTS Treasure Hunting at Texas' First Monday Trade Days

By Angela Flournoy

Check out some of the antiques, art and collectibles on offer at one of the largest flea markets in the U.S.

KIDS’ SPACES 10 Ways to Entertain Kids on Rainy Days

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

Make a few imagination-friendly room adjustments now to keep your kids busy — and your sanity intact — when nasty weather hits

EVENTS Design Calendar: May 3–24, 2012

Not to miss for New Yorkers: a Richard Avedon portrait exhibit and the Frieze Art Fair. West Coasters, get out your bicycles

FUN HOUZZ 31 True Tales of Remodeling Gone Wild

By Mitchell Parker

Drugs, sex, excess — the home design industry is rife with stories that will blow your mind, or at least leave you scratching your head

LIFE The Moving-Day Survival Kit: Lifesaving Items and Niceties

By Becky Harris

Gather these must-haves in advance for a smooth move and more comfortable first days in your new home

VALENTINE’S DAY The Real Importance of Valentine’s Day

By Alison Hodgson

Even small traditions celebrating love can carry through an entire life

Sponsored

KP Designs Group

50 Reviews

Franklin County's Unique and Creative Residential Interior Design Firm

More Discussions

Let's start a chain reaction game -- Part 4

171

Panela or piloncillo sugar. Have you used it in baking?

11

A walk down memory lane!

6

Gallbladder surgery - need help with diet

19

What are you reading? May 2024 Edition

7