vocalism

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun the system of vowels used in a particular language
noun the sound made by the vibration of vocal folds modified by the resonance of the vocal tract

From vocal + -ism.

"All power," said Whitman, "is folded in a great vocalism." — Mearing Stones: Leaves from My Note-Book on Tramp in Donegal, Joseph Campbell
Vocalism 1 Vocalism, measure, concentration, determination, and the divine power to speak words; Are you full-lung’d and limber-lipp’d from long trial? from vigorous practice? from physique? — Leaves of Grass, Walt Whitman
His superb highclass vocalism, which by its superquality greatly enhanced his already international reputation, was vociferously applauded by the large audience among which were to be noticed many prominent members of the clergy as well as representatives of the press and the bar and the other learned professions. — Ulysses, James Joyce

vowel system

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