Approximant
Revision as of 23:07, 24 June 2007 by Linguipedia (talk | contribs) (New page: 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 [[semivowel]...)
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)