continuant

con·tin·u·ant  (kn-tny-nt)

n.

A consonant, such as (s), (z), (m), or (l), that can be prolonged as long as the breath lasts without a change in quality.

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continuant [kənˈtɪnjʊənt] Phonetics

n

(Linguistics / Phonetics & Phonology) a speech sound, such as (l), (r), (f), or (s), in which the closure of the vocal tract is incomplete, allowing the continuous passage of the breath

adj

(Linguistics / Phonetics & Phonology) relating to or denoting a continuant

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	continuant - consonant articulated by constricting (but not closing) the vocal tract continuant consonant obstruent - a consonant that is produced with a partial or complete blockage of the airflow from the lungs through the nose or mouth fricative, fricative consonant, spirant - a continuant consonant produced by breath moving against a narrowing of the vocal tract
Adj.	1.	continuant - of speech sounds produced by forcing air through a constricted passage (as `f', `s', `z', or `th' in both `thin' and `then') fricative, sibilant, spirant, strident soft - (of speech sounds); produced with the back of the tongue raised toward the hard palate; characterized by a hissing or hushing sound (as `s' and `sh')