vocal cords

American  

plural noun

Anatomy.

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

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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

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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.

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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.

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Etymology

Origin of vocal cords

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

They communicate with the brain through the bloodstream and the vagus nerve, which runs through the throat and vocal cords and connects the gut and brain.

From Los Angeles Times

Surgeons removed her thyroid gland but did not fully eradicate the cancer, which had spread to her vocal cords, the paper said.

From Los Angeles Times

The “Hannah Montana” star also opened up about a polyp on her vocal cords, which makes live performances feel like “running a marathon with the weights on,” and her sobriety journey.

From Los Angeles Times

Things aren’t any more relaxing at the resort — no matter how much Fabian’s vocal cords worked to soothe guests.

From Los Angeles Times

The 30-year-old has had trouble with his vocal cords previously, cancelling his 2019 tour when he had laryngitis and was concerned he could haemorrhage one of them.

From BBC