fortis

[ fawr-tis ]

adjective

1. pronounced with considerable muscular tension and breath pressure, resulting in a strong fricative or explosive sound. In stressed position (p, t, k, ch, f, th, s, sh) and sometimes (h) are fortis in English as compared with (b, d, g, j, v, th̸, z, and zh), which are lenis. Compare lenis.

noun

, plural for·tes [fawr, -teez].

1. a fortis consonant.

fortis

/ ˈfɔːtɪs /

adjective

1. (of a consonant) articulated with considerable muscular tension of the speech organs or with a great deal of breath pressure or plosion

noun

1. a consonant, such as English p or f , pronounced with considerable muscular force or breath pressure

Word History and Origins

Origin of fortis¹

1905–10; < Latin: strong, powerful, firm

Word History and Origins

Origin of fortis¹

Latin: strong

Example Sentences

If a little aqua-fortis be mixed with the water, the writing will dry well, and not run out of its form when the paper is wetted.

From Project Gutenberg

Boil some nut-galls in aqua fortis, and add to the infusion some gum Arabic and a little sulphuric acid.

From Project Gutenberg

Dissolve fine silver in aqua fortis; and after the dissolution, add some distilled water in the same manner as in the gold ink.

From Project Gutenberg

Dissolve an ounce of fine silver in three ounces of strong aqua fortis, in a glass bottle.

From Project Gutenberg

Dissolve chalk in aqua fortis, to the consistence of milk, and add to that a strong solution of silver.

From Project Gutenberg