vocal cords

American  

plural noun

Anatomy.

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

---

vocal cords British  

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

---

vocal cords Scientific  

/ 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 Cultural  

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of vocal cords

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

Vocal cords evolved as a valve to keep water out of these proto-lungs.

From New York Times • Feb. 10, 2021

Vocal cords typically stiffen with age, and more air pressure is required to make them vibrate.

From The Verge • Apr. 20, 2016

Vocal cords thicken, making their voices permanently deeper.

From Washington Post

Vocal cords open when you inhale and close when you speak, so saliva acts as lubrication to allow the folds to pull apart more easily.

From Slate

Vocal cords: specialized organs on the thoracic spiracles of Diptera, by means of which they produce a humming or singing sound.

From Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology by Smith, John. B.