fric·a·tive (fr k  -tv)n. A consonant, such as f or s in English, produced by the forcing of breath through a constricted passage. Also called spirant. adj. Of, relating to, or being a fricative consonant. [New Latin fric  t vus, from Latin frictus, past participle of fricre, to rub.] |
fricative [ˈfrɪkətɪv]
n
(Linguistics / Phonetics & Phonology) a continuant consonant produced by partial occlusion of the airstream, such as (f) or (z)
adj
(Linguistics / Phonetics & Phonology) relating to or denoting a fricative
[from New Latin fricātivus, from Latin fricāre to rub]
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | fricative - a continuant consonant produced by breath moving against a narrowing of the vocal tract continuant, continuant consonant - consonant articulated by constricting (but not closing) the vocal tract sibilant, sibilant consonant - a consonant characterized by a hissing sound (like s or sh) |
| Adj. | 1. | fricative - of speech sounds produced by forcing air through a constricted passage (as `f', `s', `z', or `th' in both `thin' and `then') 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') |
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