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Definition of Spirant
1. Adjective. Of speech sounds produced by forcing air through a constricted passage (as 'f', 's', 'z', or 'th' in both 'thin' and 'then').
Similar to: Soft
Derivative terms: Continuance, Sibilant, Sibilate, Sibilate, Sibilate
2. Noun. A continuant consonant produced by breath moving against a narrowing of the vocal tract.
Generic synonyms: Continuant, Continuant Consonant
Specialized synonyms: Sibilant, Sibilant Consonant
Definition of Spirant
1. n. A term used differently by different authorities; -- by some as equivalent to fricative, - - that is, as including all the continuous consonants, except the nasals m, n, ng; with the further exception, by others, of the liquids r, l, and the semivowels w, y; by others limited to f, v, th surd and sonant, and the sound of German ch, -- thus excluding the sibilants, as well as the nasals, liquids, and semivowels. See Guide to Pronunciation, §§ 197-208.
Definition of Spirant
1. Noun. (context: linguistics archaic) A fricative. ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Definition of Spirant
1. a speech sound produced by the forcing of breath through a narrow passage [n -S]
Medical Definition of Spirant
1. A term used differently by different authorities; by some as equivalent to fricative, that is, as including all the continuous consonants, except the nasals m, n, ng; with the further exception, by others, of the liquids r, l, and the semivowels w, y; by others limited to f, v, th surd and sonant, and the sound of German ch, thus excluding the sibilants, as well as the nasals, liquids, and semivowels. Origin: L. Spirans, -antis, p. Pr. Of spirare to breathe. See Spirit. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Spirant
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