spirant
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It is classed as a surd spirant, its corresponding sonant spirant being v, which is distinguished from f by being pronounced with voice instead of breath, as may be perceived by pronouncing ef, ev.
From The New Gresham Encyclopedia Volume 4, Part 3: Estremoz to Felspar by Various
Floribus in pratis, legi quos ipse, coronam Contextam variis, do, Rhodoclea, tibi: Hic anemone humet, confert narcissus odores Cum violis; spirant lilia mista rosis.
From Dr. Johnson's Works: Life, Poems, and Tales, Volume 1 The Works of Samuel Johnson, Ll.D., in Nine Volumes by Johnson, Samuel
That the spirant J was in all cases pronounced as Y there is scarcely room for doubt.
From The History of Roman Literature From the earliest period to the death of Marcus Aurelius by Cruttwell, Charles Thomas
How he would lie! and what lungs he had to lie with! immensa cavi spirant mendacia folles!
From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 59, No. 368, June 1846 by Various
G is the soft spirant, not used in English.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 8 "Dubner" to "Dyeing" by Various