Like a number of cords (5)
I believe the answer is:
vocal
'like a number of cords' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.
'like a number' is the wordplay.
'like' becomes 'voc' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'number' becomes 'L' (L is an example).
'voc'+'a'+'l'='VOCAL'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for vocal that I've seen before include "Talkative" , "Given to speech, often in protest" , "Freely expressing opinions" , "singing" , "Articulate" .)