heart

heart · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A muscular organ that pumps blood through the circulatory system.

  2. 2.

    The center of a person's emotions, especially love or compassion.

  3. 3.

    The central or innermost part of something.

  4. 4.

    Courage, determination, or enthusiasm.

  5. 5.

    A playing card of the suit marked with red heart symbols.

Forms

plural: hearts

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    by heart — from memory, without reference
  • •
    heart and soul — with complete devotion and energy
  • •
    at heart — in one's true nature
  • •
    heart of gold — a kind and generous nature
  • •
    break someone's heart — cause great emotional distress
  • •
    take to heart — be deeply affected by

Related words

Antonyms: periphery, surface
See also: core, emotion, love, soul
Synonyms: center, core, essence, soul

Etymology

From Old English "heorte," from Proto-Germanic "hertô," from Proto-Indo-European "ḱḗr" (heart). Cognate with German "Herz," Dutch "hart," and Latin "cor." The emotional sense developed alongside the anatomical meaning, reflecting ancient beliefs that emotions originated in the heart.