phonetics

noun plural but singular in construction pho·net·ics \fə-ˈne-tiks\

linguistics : the study of speech sounds

Full Definition of PHONETICS

: the system of speech sounds of a language or group of languages

a : the study and systematic classification of the sounds made in spoken utterance

b : the practical application of this science to language study

1836

Medical Dictionary

noun plural but singular in construction pho·net·ics \fə-ˈnet-iks\

a : the study and systematic classification of the sounds made in spoken utterance b : the practical application of this science to language study

: the system of speech sounds of a language or group of languages

Next Word in the Dictionary: phonetismPrevious Word in the Dictionary: phonetic lawAll Words Near: phonetics

What made you want to look up phonetics? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears