Vowel

Definition

In phonetics and phonology, a vowel is a speech sound in whose articulation the oral part of the breath channel is not constricted enough to cause audible frication.

Term properties

A relational adjective from vowel that is occasionally used is vocalic.

Comments

Speech sounds with audible constriction are called consonants; sounds intermediate between vowels and consonants are called semi-vowels (not "semi-consonants").

Origin

The word goes back to French voyelle, from Latin (littera) vocalis 'voice letter' (from vox 'voice').

See also

• Articulators
• Consonant

Other languages

French voyelle
German Vokal

Links

• Utrecht Lexicon of Linguistics

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