catgut

[ kat-guht ]

noun

1. a strong cord made by twisting the dried intestines of animals, as sheep, used in stringing musical instruments and tennis rackets, for surgical sutures, etc.
2. goat's-rue.

catgut

/ ˈkætˌɡʌt /

noun

1. a strong cord made from the dried intestines of sheep and other animals that is used for stringing certain musical instruments and sports rackets, and, when sterilized, as surgical ligatures Often shortened togut

Word History and Origins

Origin of catgut¹

1590–1600; apparently cat ( def ) + gut, though allusion is obscure

Example Sentences

He could also fashion an interesting musical instrument in his desk by means of spools and catgut and bits of broken glass.

From Project Gutenberg

Her nerves felt drawn to a tension that threatened to snap them like catgut drawn too tightly on a violin.

From Project Gutenberg

Marteau was called "the Paderewski of the Catgut," and he met with a most cordial reception among musicians.

From Project Gutenberg

The most dangerous and unreliable suture material for the abdominal incision is catgut (see p. 96).

From Project Gutenberg

The sutures should be of thin catgut and must not perforate the bladder or the ureteral walls.

From Project Gutenberg