GLOTTAL Meaning and
Definition
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The term "glottal" refers to the anatomical and phonetic features related to the glottis, which is the space located between the vocal cords in the larynx. It primarily describes sounds, articulations, and phenomena associated with this region.
In terms of phonetics, "glottal" often describes a type of consonant or sound produced by modifying the airflow or vocal cord position at the level of the glottis. The most common example of such a sound is the glottal stop, denoted by the symbol [ʔ]. It is a brief closure of the vocal cords that momentarily interrupts the flow of airflow, resulting in a distinct, abrupt sound typically found in certain dialects or languages like English (as in the pronunciation of "uh-oh" or "button").
Additionally, "glottal" can also refer to the glottal fricative, produced by partially constricting the flow of air through the glottis, causing turbulence and resulting in a raspy sound. Although not as common as the glottal stop, the glottal fricative is found in languages such as Arabic or Hebrew.
Beyond specific sounds, "glottal" may describe various other phenomena associated with the glottis, including glottalization (introducing elements of the glottis into phonetic features), glottalized vowels (vowels with a pronounced glottal constriction), or glottal reinforcement (using the glottis to emphasize or strengthen a sound).
Overall, "glottal" encompasses the aspects related to the glottis and its significance in producing certain sounds or affecting speech sounds.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for GLOTTAL
Etymology of GLOTTAL
The term "glottal" is derived from the Latin word "glottis", which in turn comes from the Greek word "glōttis" meaning "tongue" or "language". The glottis refers to the space between the vocal cords in the larynx, which plays a crucial role in speech production. The suffix "-al" is used to form adjectives, thus creating "glottal" to describe something related to or associated with the glottis.
Similar spelling words for GLOTTAL
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