spirant

noun spi·rant \ˈspī-rənt\

Definition of SPIRANT

: a consonant (as \f\, \s\, \sh\) uttered with friction of the breath against some part of the oral passage : fricative

— spirant adjective

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

First Known Use: 1862

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