lenis

adjective

le·​nis ˈlē-nəs How to pronounce lenis (audio) ˈlā- How to pronounce lenis (audio)
: produced with an articulation that is lax in relation to another speech sound
\t\ in gutter is lenis, \t\ in toe is fortis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, mild, smooth

First Known Use

circa 1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lenis was circa 1897

Dictionary Entries Near lenis

Lenin Peak

lenis

lenite

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Cite this Entry

“Lenis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lenis. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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