Vocal Cords Definition

vōkəl

noun

Either of two pairs of bands or folds of mucous membrane in the throat that project into the larynx. The lower pair vibrate when air passing up from the lungs causes them to draw together, thereby producing vocal sounds. The upper, thicker pair are not involved in voice production.

American Heritage Medicine

Either of two pairs of membranous cords or folds in the larynx, consisting of a thicker upper pair (false vocal cords) and a lower pair (true vocal cords): voice is produced when air from the lungs causes the lower cords to vibrate: pitch is controlled by varying the tension on the cords, and volume, by regulating the air passing through the larynx.

Webster's New World