spirant

[ spahy-ruhnt ]

noun

1. fricative ( def 2 ).

adjective

1. Also spi·ran·tal [] fricative.

spirant

/ ˈspaɪrənt /

adjective

1. See fricative
   phonetics another word for fricative

noun

1. a fricative consonant

Word History and Origins

Origin of spirant¹

1865–70; < Latin spīrant- (stem of spīrāns, present participle of spīrāre to breathe); spirit, -ant

Word History and Origins

Origin of spirant¹

C19: from Latin spīrāns breathing, from spīrāre to breathe

Example Sentences

When the lips are not tightly closed the sound produced is not a stop, but a spirant like the English w.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Spirant, v like the ou in French oui, but later approximating to the w heard in some parts of Germany, Ed.

From Project Gutenberg

In twien b 210 from twiga the spirant has disappeared, as in monie b 168.

From Project Gutenberg