continuant

[kuhn-tin-yoo-uhnt]

noun

1. a consonant, as f or s, that may be prolonged without change of quality.

adjective

1. pertaining to or noting a continuant.

continuant

/ kənˈtɪnjʊənt /

noun

1. a speech sound, such as (l), (r), (f), or (s), in which the closure of the vocal tract is incomplete, allowing the continuous passage of the breath

adjective

1. relating to or denoting a continuant

Word History and Origins

Origin of continuant¹

1600–10; < Latin continuant-, stem of continuāns, present participle of continuāre to continue; -ant

Example Sentences

The attacks are continuant with other recent strikes on predominantly Shiite areas of the Iraqi capital.

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The theory of continuants is due in the first place to Euler.

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Again, some consonants are shorter by nature than others: the explosives, p, t, k, etc., than the continuants s, z, th, f, m, n, l, etc.

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A series of tones executed on continuant consonants, like m, z, or l, gives the effect of humming, droning, or buzzing.

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