consonant

views updated

con·so·nant / ˈkänsənənt/ • n. a basic speech sound in which the breath is at least partly obstructed and which can be combined with a vowel to form a syllable. Contrasted with vowel. ∎  a letter representing such a sound.• adj. 1. denoting or relating to such a sound or letter: a consonant phoneme.2. (consonant with) in agreement or harmony with: the findings are consonant with other research. ∎  Mus. making a harmonious interval or chord: the bass is consonant with all the upper notes.DERIVATIVES: con·so·nan·tal / ˌkänsəˈnantl/ adj.con·so·nant·ly adv.

More From encyclopedia.com

About this article

consonant

Updated About encyclopedia.com content Print Article

Related Content

NEARBY TERMS