fricative

noun

fric·a·tive | \ ˈfri-kə-tiv

Definition of fricative

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

Other Words from fricative Example Sentences Learn More About fricative

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.