Definitions for: Fricative


[n] a continuant consonant produced by breath moving against a narrowing of the vocal tract
[adj] produced by forcing air through a constricted passage (as `f'. `s', `z', or `th' (in both `thin' and `then'))



Webster (1913) Definition: Fric"a*tive, a. [See Frication.] (Phon.)
Produced by the friction or rustling of the breath, intonated
or unintonated, through a narrow opening between two of the
mouth organs; uttered through a close approach, but not with
a complete closure, of the organs of articulation, and hence
capable of being continued or prolonged; -- said of certain
consonantal sounds, as f, v, s, z, etc. -- n. A fricative
consonant letter or sound. See Guide to Pronunciation,
[sect][sect] 197-206, etc.

Synonyms: fricative consonant, sibilant, soft, spirant, spirant

See Also: continuant, continuant consonant

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