fricative

Definition

Any of several speech sounds produced by air flowing through a constriction in the oral cavity and typically producing a sibilant, hissing, or buzzing quality; a fricative consonant.

Etymology

From New Latin fricatīvus, from Latin fricāre (“to rub”).

Example Sentences

• "Watt listened for a time, for the voice was far from unmelodious. The fricatives in particular were pleasing."