lenis

[ lee-nis, ley- ]

adjective

1. 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 ).

noun

, plural le·nes [lee, -neez, ley, -].

1. a lenis consonant.

lenis

/ ˈliːnɪs /

adjective

1. (of a consonant) articulated with weak muscular tension

noun

1. a consonant, such as English b or v, pronounced with weak muscular force

Word History and Origins

Origin of lenis¹

First recorded in 1925–30; from Latin: “soft, mild, gentle”

Word History and Origins

Origin of lenis¹

C19: from Latin: gentle

Example Sentences

The modern Cubans pronounce it like the English w with the spiritus lenis.

From Project Gutenberg

Nutritur vento, vento restinguitur ignis: / Lenis alit flammas, grandior aura necat!

From Project Gutenberg

In six other characters studied they most closely approach lenis to which they are here referred.

From Project Gutenberg

Intergradation with lenis is also shown in some specimens by the widely spreading zygomatic arches.

From Project Gutenberg

The latter valley in this area is inhabited by pocket gophers that belong to another subspecies, lenis.

From Project Gutenberg