spirant

noun

spi·​rant ˈspī-rənt How to pronounce spirant (audio)
: a consonant (such as \f\, \s\, \sh\) uttered with friction of the breath against some part of the oral passage : fricative
spirant adjective

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Latin spirant-, spirans, present participle of spirare to breathe

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spirant was in 1862

Dictionary Entries Near spirant

spiran

spirant

spirantal

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Spirant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spirant. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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