Definition of fricative Fricative

fric•a•tive

We found 7 definitions of fricative from 5 different sources.

What does fricative mean?

Adjective
fricative - of speech sounds produced by forcing air through a constricted passage (as `f', `s', `z', or `th' in both `thin' and `then')
		continuant, sibilant, spirant, strident
		soft not brilliant or glaring; "the moon cast soft shadows"; "soft pastel colors"; "subdued lighting"

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fricative (Noun)
Any of several sounds produced by air flowing through a constriction in the oral cavity and typically producing a sibilant, hissing, or buzzing quality; a fricative consonant. English /f/ and /s/ are fricatives.
fricative (Adjective)
Produced by air flowing through a restriction in the oral cavity.

fricative (a.)
Produced by the friction or rustling of the breath, intonated or unintonated, through a narrow opening between two of the mouth organs; uttered through a close approach, but not with a complete closure, of the organs of articulation, and hence capable of being continued or prolonged; -- said of certain consonantal sounds, as f, v, s, z, etc.
fricative (n.)
A fricative consonant letter or sound. See Guide to Pronunciation, // 197-206, etc.

fricative
A sound of speech produced by forcing air through a narrow channel made by placing two articulators close together causing a turbulent airstream.