fricative

noun

fric·a·tive | \ ˈfri-kə-tiv

How to pronounce fricative (audio)

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Definition of fricative

: a consonant characterized by frictional passage of the expired breath through a narrowing at some point in the vocal tract

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Examples of fricative in a Sentence

The sounds v θ ð s z ʃ ʒ h/ are English fricatives.

Recent Examples on the Web The plosives and fricatives of a complex word, the specific place your lips meet or don't to shape and push out a puff of air that carries a sound. — Julie Muncy, Wired, 5 Feb. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fricative.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Fricative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fricative. Accessed 21 Jun. 2021.

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More Definitions for fricative

fricative

noun

English Language Learners Definition of fricative

linguistics : a sound made by forcing air out of your mouth through a narrow opening that is made using the lips, teeth, or tongue

See the full definition for fricative in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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