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 ▶ Related adjective: glottal
Examples of 'vocal chords' in a sentence
vocal chords
Fantasy eloquence toiled in an effort to master his vocal chords.
various & introduction by Deirdre Chapman A ROOMFUL OF BIRDS - SCOTTISH SHORT STORIES 1990
You had an operation on your vocal chords in 2013.
The Sun (2015)
His vocal chords sound like they are pouring cement.
Globe and Mail (2003)
Pussycats make a purring sound by vibrating their vocal chords inside the larynx.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
I whisper it as though my vocal chords have been severed.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
She has a great set of vocal chords from someone so young.
The Sun (2008)
It was as if his vocal chords were being played at the wrong speed.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
I've got an abscess on one of my vocal chords.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The following morning we will shuffle into work with aching heads and ruptured vocal chords.
The Sun (2014)
Backstage, the musical's 40 actors hurried in and out of their dressing rooms, exercising their vocal chords in a trilling cacophony.