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vocal cords
plural noun
: either of two pairs of folds of mucous membranes that project into the cavity of the larynx and have free edges extending dorsoventrally toward the middle line
Examples of vocal cords in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Iris is still trapped in the car with Richard and slowly regains control of her vocal cords.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
Some sounds are more difficult to make if the vocal cords are very dry.
—Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024
The vocal cords develop fatigue, affecting your ability to vocalize properly.2
People who work in environments that require you to overuse your vocal cords (such as teachers, professional speakers, or singers) may be more prone to aphonia.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 14 Sep. 2024
Kassi Ashton believes that when she was born and her baby feet were pinched to see if her vocal cords worked, a microphone was also held to her mouth and a spotlight shined in her face.
—Ilana Kaplan, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for vocal cords
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Word History
First Known Use
1757, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near vocal cords
Cite this Entry
“Vocal cords.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vocal%20cords. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
vocal cords
plural noun
: either of two pairs of elastic folds of tissue in the larynx of which the lower pair produce the voice when air exhaled from the lungs causes them to vibrate
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