vocal cords

plural noun

, Anatomy.

1. either of the two pairs of folds of mucous membrane projecting into the cavity of the larynx.

vocal cords

plural noun

1. either of two pairs of mucomembranous folds in the larynx. The upper pair ( false vocal cords ) are not concerned with vocal production; the lower pair ( true vocal cords or vocal folds ) can be made to vibrate and produce sound when air from the lungs is forced over them See also glottis glottal

vocal cords

/ vō′kəl /

1. The two folded pairs of membranes in the larynx (voice box) that vibrate when air that is exhaled passes through them, producing sound.

vocal cords

1. Two folds of tissue located in the larynx that vibrate when air passes over them, producing the sound waves associated with talking and singing.

Word History and Origins

Origin of vocal cords¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

Sister Megan warbles softly at first, before putting the full might of her lungs and vocal cords behind the melody and lyrics.

From Salon

He said he "recently had an operation to remove a lesion from my vocal cords" and that the prognosis was "very positive".

From BBC

Likening the music produced by Jones’ golden vocal cords to that would be pushing it, we know.

From Salon

In fact, during one of her sessions, Nyong’o injured her vocal cords, which forced her to remain silent for three months to avoid surgery for the polyp that had formed on her throat.

From Los Angeles Times

To speak, air must move across the vocal cords in the throat.

From Seattle Times