catgut

noun

cat·​gut ˈkat-ˌgət How to pronounce catgut (audio)
: a tough cord made usually from sheep intestines

Examples of catgut in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The sound of air expanding the cavity in my chest and then being forced out past the catgut of my vocal chords — that was the sound my mother heard. Maureen Stanton, Longreads, 17 Jan. 2020 In the 1800s, some began to make and sell lacrosse sticks — made from wood, catgut and leather — to outsiders. Christina Tkacik, baltimoresun.com, 23 Apr. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'catgut.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of catgut was in 1599

Dictionary Entries Near catgut

Cite this Entry

“Catgut.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catgut. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

catgut

noun
cat·​gut -ˌgət How to pronounce catgut (audio)
: a tough cord made from intestines of animals (as sheep) and used for strings of musical instruments and rackets and for sewing in surgery

Medical Definition

catgut

noun
cat·​gut -ˌgət How to pronounce catgut (audio)
: a tough cord made usually from sheep intestines and used especially for sutures in closing wounds

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