drawstring
UK[ˈdrɔːstrɪŋ]US[ˈdrɔːstrɪŋ]
n
a string or cord that can be pulled to tighten the opening of a bag, garment, or other item.
Morpheme Breakdown
draw
string
draw
to pull
string
cord
Etymology
the word 'drawstring' is a transparent english compound, formed by combining two old english roots. the verb 'draw', from old english 'dragan' meaning to pull or drag, precisely describes the action performed on the cord. the noun 'string', from old english 'streng' meaning a line or cord, identifies the object itself. the compound thus logically denotes a cord designed to be pulled, a functional description that has remained consistent since its formation in the late 16th century. it exemplifies the germanic tendency in english to create new terms through the straightforward combination of existing, concrete words.
Analysis
Structure: draw (to pull) + string (cord)
draw (old english, meaning to pull or drag; functional role: verb root indicating action). string (old english, meaning a line or cord; functional role: noun root indicating object).
Examples
she tightened the hood of her sweatshirt by pulling the drawstring.
the backpack has a drawstring closure at the top to keep your belongings secure.
he replaced the broken drawstring on his trousers with a new piece of elastic cord.