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vocal

vocal

adjective noun boh-KAHL Less Common
Communication Speech

Origin: From Latin vocalis ('of the voice').

Also means

board member

Usage Note

Vocal as an adjective means 'relating to the voice' (cuerdas vocales = 'vocal cords'). As a noun it means a member of a board, committee, or council who has a vote but is not the president or secretary, a sense with no direct English equivalent that trips up learners. As a feminine noun la vocal also means 'vowel' (the letter), as opposed to la voz ('voice').

Examples

"El vocal del consejo presentó su propuesta."

Natural Translation

The board member presented his proposal.

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