The cables used to connect together the different inputs and outputs in a modular synthesizer, carrying electrical control voltages and audio. The term came from the old telephone patch boards where an operator had to physically connect two callers together using electrical cables. As different modular formats often use different connector standards, you need to make sure the connectors at the ends of the wire in a patch cord are the size you need (3.5mm for Eurorack, 1/4” for 5U/Moog Unit, or banana for Serge or Buchla control voltages).
Similar:
patch cord