consonant

Sound produced by stopping the air flowing freely through the mouth; a letter representing a sound thus defined (b c d f g h j k l m n p q r s t v w x y z). See also vowel.

Consonants can be described in various ways, according to where and how the sound is made and whether the vocal cords in the throat vibrate or not.

Where the sound is made A consonant can be produced using both lips – p, b, m; using the lower lip and the upper teeth – f, v; using the tip of the tongue between the teeth or close to the upper teeth – th; and with the blade of the tongue making contact with the bony part behind the upper teeth – t, d.

How the sound is made Consonants can also be produced by completely stopping the flow of air from the mouth and then suddenly letting the air out with a sudden release of breath – b, p; by forcing air through an opening made narrow by bringing the tongue or lips near to another part of the mouth – f, v; and by having the air flow through the nose – m, n, ng.

Vibration of vocal cords The vocal cords in the throat can be vibrated (to produce the sound b) or not (to produce the sound p).