heartstring \ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷\noun Etymology: Middle English hertstring, from hert heart + string 1.obsolete: a nerve or tendon supposed to support or sustain the heart 2.: the deepest emotions or affections — usually used in plural < tore at the heartstrings of memory — William Beebe > < could touch the heartstrings of the audience — E.H.Collis >