vɔɪs n. & v. --n. 1 a
sound formed in
the larynx etc.
and uttered by the
mouth,
esp.
human utterance in
speaking, shouting, singing, etc. (heard a voice; spoke in a low voice). b the
ability to
produce this (has
lost her voice). 2 a the
use of the voice; utterance, esp. in
spoken or
written words (esp.
give voice). b an
opinion so expressed. c the
right to express an opinion (I
have no voice in the matter). d an
agency by
which an opinion is expressed. 3 Gram. a
form or set of forms of a
verb showing the
relation of the
subject to the
action (active voice;
passive voice). 4 Mus. a a
vocal part in a
composition. b a
constituent part in a
fugue. 5 Phonet. sound uttered
with resonance of the vocal cords,
not with mere
breath. 6 (usu. in pl.) the supposed utterance of an
invisible guiding or directing
spirit. --v.tr. 1 give utterance
to; express (the
letter voices
our opinion). 2 (esp. as voiced adj.) Phonet. utter with
vibration of the vocal cords (e.g. b, d, g, v, z). 3 Mus.
regulate the tone-quality of (organ-pipes). øin voice (or
good voice) in
proper vocal
condition for singing or speaking. voice-box the larynx. the voice of
God the
expression of God's will,
wrath, etc. voice-over narration in a
film etc. not accompanied by a
picture of the
speaker. voice-print a
visual record of
speech, analysed with
respect to
frequency,
duration, and
amplitude. voice
vote US a vote taken by noting the
relative strength of calls of aye and no. with
one voice unanimously. øø-voiced adj. voicer n. (in
sense 3 of v.). [ME f. AF voiz, OF vois f. L vox vocis]
