rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryaspirationBreathy pronunciation
noun

aspiration

Pronunciation of a consonant with an audible release of breath.

The teacher demonstrates aspiration by releasing a puff of breath after p.

Etymology
aLatintoward
+spirLatinbreathe
+ationLatinaction

Latin ad- and spirare connect the word with breathing upon something. In pronunciation, aspiration is the accompanying breath released with a consonant, making the breathing component audible.

More examples

  • English p often has aspiration at the beginning of a stressed syllable.
  • The recording makes the consonant's aspiration audible.
  • The lesson contrasts pronunciation with and without aspiration.

Similar words

breathiness
A voice quality rather than specifically a consonant's breath release.