continuant

American  

[kuhn-tin-yoo-uhnt] / kənˈtɪn ju ənt /

noun

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

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adjective

1. pertaining to or noting a continuant.

continuant British  

/ 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

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adjective

1. relating to or denoting a continuant

Etymology

Origin of continuant

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

Example Sentences

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

From Language An Introduction to the Study of Speech by Sapir, Edward