fricative

[ frik-uh-tiv ]

adjective

1. (of a speech sound) characterized by audible friction produced by forcing the breath through a constricted or partially obstructed passage in the vocal tract; spirantal; spirant.

noun

1. Also called spirant. a fricative consonant, as (th), (v), or (h).

fricative

/ ˈfrɪkətɪv /

noun

1. a continuant consonant produced by partial occlusion of the airstream, such as (f) or (z)

adjective

1. relating to or denoting a fricative

Other Words From

• non·frica·tive adjective noun
• un·frica·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fricative¹

First recorded in 1855–60; fricat(ion) + -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of fricative¹

C19: from New Latin fricātivus , from Latin fricāre to rub

Example Sentences

Spirant, spī′rant, n. a consonant which is fricative or continuable—opp.

From Project Gutenberg

Instead of the former there is a g with “fricative” pronunciation, and as in High German the th has passed over into d.

From Project Gutenberg

Medial q is usually written (chi), representing the fricative pronunciation: Ealuin and similar.

From Project Gutenberg