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

The Haudenosaunee Confederacy, composed of U.S and Canadian communities, first played lacrosse on wide-open stretches of land, using sticks fashioned from hickory and catgut.

From Los Angeles Times

Lacrosse began as a rough-hewn contest played on stretches of open land with sticks made from hickory and catgut.

From Los Angeles Times

Then, with effortless ease, as a skilled musician fits a bit of catgut to his lyre, he bent the bow and strung it.

From Literature

In the 1800s, some began to make and sell lacrosse sticks - made from wood, catgut and leather - to outsiders.

From Washington Times

They ran out of anaesthetic and catgut so they made do with ordinary thread.

From The Guardian