Approximant
An approximant is a sound that is produced by a slight narrowing of the vocal tract, but not enough to cause noise or a complete obstruction.
Examples
The semivowels [j], [w] and the English r.
Origin
Apprixmants are so called because in their production, the active articulator approximates (=comes close to) the passive articulator.
Other languages
German Approximant (de)
