lenis
pronounced with relatively weak muscular tension and breath pressure, resulting in weak sound effect: in stressed or unstressed position, (b, d, g, j, v, th̸, z, and zh) are lenis in English, as compared with (p, t, k, ch, f, th, s, and sh), which are fortis.: Compare fortis (def. 1).
a lenis consonant.
Origin of lenis
1Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use lenis in a sentence
All the so-called aspirates are continuous; and, with the exception of s and z, all the lenes are explosive.
A Handbook of the English Language | Robert Gordon LathamThere is therein no sound of h. How the so-called aspirates differ from their corresponding lenes has not yet been determined.
A Handbook of the English Language | Robert Gordon LathamThese lenes susurri, says Galiana, are not the soft whispers of two lovers; they are serenades.
A Jar of Honey from Mount Hybla | Leigh HuntFrom the flat lenes to their corresponding so-called aspirates; as b to v, d to .
The English Language | Robert Gordon LathamFrom the sharp lenes to the corresponding flats; as p to b, t to d, c to g.
The English Language | Robert Gordon Latham
British Dictionary definitions for lenis
/ (ˈliːnɪs) phonetics /
(of a consonant) articulated with weak muscular tension
a consonant, such as English b or v, pronounced with weak muscular force
Origin of lenis
1- Compare fortis
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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