c.1395, "spoken, oral," from O.Fr. vocal, from L. vocalis "sounding, sonorous, speaking," as a noun, "a vowel," from vox (gen. vocis) "voice" (see voice). In ref. to music (as opposed to instrumental), first recorded 1586; meaning "outspoken" first attested 1871. The verb vocalize is attested from 1669.
relating to or designed for or using the singing voice; "vocal technique"; "the vocal repertoire"; "organized a vocal group to sing his compositions" [ant: instrumental]
2.
having or using the power to produce speech or sound; "vocal organs"; "all vocal beings hymned their praise"
3.
given to expressing yourself freely or insistently; "outspoken in their opposition to segregation"; "a vocal assembly" [syn: outspoken]
4.
full of the sound of voices; "a playground vocal with the shouts and laughter of children"
noun
1.
music intended to be performed by one or more singers, usually with instrumental accompaniment [syn: vocal music]
2.
a short musical composition with words; "a successful musical must have at least three good songs" [syn: song]
Ad"vo*cate\, n. [OE. avocat, avocet, OF. avocat, fr. L. advocatus, one summoned or called to another; properly the p. p. of advocare to call to, call to one's aid; ad + vocare to call. See Advowee, Avowee, Vocal.]1. One who pleads the cause of another. Specifically: One who pleads the cause of another before a tribunal or judicial court; a counselor. Note: In the English and American Law, advocate is the same as "counsel," "counselor," or "barrister." In the civil and ecclesiastical courts, the term signifies the same as "counsel" at the common law. 2. One who defends, vindicates, or espouses any cause by argument; a pleader; as, an advocate of free trade, an advocate of truth. 3. Christ, considered as an intercessor. We have an Advocate with the Father. --1 John ii. 1. Faculty of advocates (Scot.), the Scottish bar in Edinburgh. Lord advocate (Scot.), the public prosecutor of crimes, and principal crown lawyer. Judge advocate. See under Judge.
Av"o*cate\, v. t. [L. avocatus, p. p. of avocare; a, ab + vocare to call. Cf. Avoke, and see Vocal, a.] To call off or away; to withdraw; to transfer to another tribunal. [Obs. or Archaic] One who avocateth his mind from other occupations. --Barrow. He, at last, . . . avocated the cause to Rome. --Robertson.
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Audio Help [voh-kuh
