semivowel

semivowel
a) A sound in speech which has some qualities of a consonant and some qualities of a vowel
b) A letter which represents a semivowel sound, such as w or y in English.

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  • Semivowel — Sem i*vow el, n. (Phon.) (a) A sound intermediate between a vowel and a consonant, or partaking of the nature of both, as in the English w and y. (b) The sign or letter representing such a sound. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • semivowel — [sem′i vou΄əl] n. Phonet. a vowel like sound occurring in consonantal positions in the same syllable with a true vowel, characterized by brief duration and rapid change from one position of articulation to another [the English glides (w) and (y)… …   English World dictionary

  • Semivowel — Manners of articulation Obstruent Plosive (occlusive) Affricate Fricative Sibilant Sonorant Nasal Flap/Tap Approximant …   Wikipedia

  • semivowel — noun Date: 1530 1. a speech sound (as y, w, or r) that has the articulation of a vowel but that is shorter in duration and is treated as a consonant in syllabication 2. a letter representing a semivowel …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • semivowel — /sem ee vow euhl/, n. Phonet. a speech sound of vowel quality used as a consonant, as /w/ in wet or /y/ in yet. [1520 30; SEMI + VOWEL; r. semivocal < L semivocalis half vowel] * * * …   Universalium

  • semivowel — sem|i|vow|el [ semi,vauəl ] noun count LINGUISTICS a speech sound that sounds like a vowel but is a consonant, for example w …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • semivowel — n. speech sound which has the articulation of a vowel but is treated as a consonant (Phonetics) …   English contemporary dictionary

  • semivowel — noun a speech sound intermediate between a vowel and a consonant, e.g. w or y …   English new terms dictionary

  • semivowel — semi·vowel …   English syllables

  • semivowel — sem•i•vow•el [[t]ˈsɛm ɪˌvaʊ əl[/t]] n. phn a speech sound of vowel quality used as a consonant, as (w) in wet or (y) in yet[/ex] • Etymology: 1520–30 …   From formal English to slang

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