Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

fricative

Noun

/ˈfrɪk.ə.tɪv/

Definition

A fricative is a type of consonant sound that is produced by forcing air through a narrow opening, causing turbulence in the airflow.

Examples

The ‘s’ in ‘see’ is an example of a fricative.
In English, fricatives can be voiced, like the ‘z’ in ‘zoo’, or voiceless, like the ‘f’ in ‘fish’.
Many languages use fricatives to differentiate words, making them an essential part of pronunciation.

Meaning

In phonetics, fricatives are sounds made when airflow is partially obstructed, creating friction. Common examples include the sounds of ‘f’, ‘s’, and ‘v’.