consonant
Consonant (noun) means a speech sound made by partly or fully blocking the airflow in the mouth, rather than the open sound of a vowel.
noun
1
A speech sound made by partly or fully blocking the airflow in the mouth, rather than the open sound of a vowel.
2
A letter used in writing to show a consonant sound.
"“Tell me, has right anything to do with the law?” I asked. “You have used the wrong initial consonant,” he smiled in answer. “Might?” I queried; and he nodded his head."
— Jack London (1908)
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Etymology
Came into English from Middle English consonant or consonaunt, from Old French consonant, which traces to Latin cōnsonāns (“sounding with”), formed from the prefix con- (“with”) and the present participle sonāns (“sounding”), from sonāre (“to sound”). The Latin word is a calque of Ancient Greek σύμφωνον (súmphōnon).
Antonyms
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Rhymes for consonant
See all rhymes for consonant →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of consonant?
"consonant" (noun) means a speech sound made by partly or fully blocking the airflow in the mouth, rather than the open sound of a vowel.
What is the opposite of consonant?
The opposite of "consonant" is vowel.
What are the different meanings of consonant?
"consonant" has 2 main meanings: 1. A speech sound made by partly or fully blocking the airflow in the mouth, rather than the open sound of a vowel; 2. A letter used in writing to show a consonant sound.
