lenis
[lee-nis, ley-]Phonetics
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adjective
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-] /ˈli niz, ˈleɪ-/.
a lenis consonant.
Origin of lenis
1925–30; < Latin: soft, mild, gentle
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for lenis
Historical Examples of lenis
Intergradation with lenis is also shown in some specimens by the widely spreading zygomatic arches.
The Pocket Gophers (Genus Thomomys) of Utah, Vol. 1 No. 1Stephen D. Durrant
The latter valley in this area is inhabited by pocket gophers that belong to another subspecies, lenis.
The Pocket Gophers (Genus Thomomys) of Utah, Vol. 1 No. 1Stephen D. Durrant
Nutritur vento, vento restinguitur ignis: / Lenis alit flammas, grandior aura necat!
lenis
adjective
noun plural lenes (ˈliːniːz)
Compare fortis
Word Origin for lenis
C19: from Latin: gentle
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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