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Synonyms

plosive

American  
[ploh-siv] / ˈploʊ sɪv /

adjective

  1. (of a stop consonant or occlusive) characterized by release in a plosion; explosive.


noun

  1. Also called explosive. a plosive speech sound.

plosive British  
/ ˈpləʊsɪv /

adjective

  1. articulated with or accompanied by plosion

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a plosive consonant; stop

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of plosive

First recorded in 1895–1900; shortened form of explosive


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

But it was the plosive consonants of her own language that best gave shape to her anger.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 22, 2022

At surface level, it was a special-effects demonstration, a bonanza of texture and timbre: quavery drones, like an oscillating synthesizer; delicate ghost tones, hovering in flute range; sharp, plosive rivets of percussive airflow.

From New York Times ● Dec. 16, 2016

The plosive sounds - usually made with the letters P, T, K, B, D and G - had to be substituted with other consonants that didn’t require moving her lips.

From Washington Times ● Jun. 12, 2016

As such, the plosive, alliterative name of Kunta Kinte still resonates through popular culture.

From The Guardian ● May 24, 2016

For an instant, a wave of rage filled Richard, a plosive pure fury at his wife for not being here where she was needed.

From The New Yorker ● Nov. 26, 2012

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