Etymology
From Middle English consonant or consonaunt, from Old French consonant, from Latin cÅnsonÄns (sounding with), from the prefix con- (with) + the present participle sonÄns (sounding), from sonÄre (to sound). The Latin is a calque of Ancient Greek σÏμφωνον or súmphÅnon.
Noun
consonant (plural consonants)
- A sound that results from the passage of air through restrictions of the oral cavity; any sound that is not the dominant sound of a syllable, the dominant sound generally being a vowel.
- A letter representing the sound of a consonant.
- Every letter except A, E, I, O and U is a consonant, and Y is sometimes used as a consonant and sometimes as a vowel.
Derived terms
- consonantary
- consonant cluster
- consonant gradation
- nasal consonant
Adjective
consonant (comparative more consonant, superlative most consonant)
- consistent, harmonious, compatible, or in agreement.
- Having the same sound.
- (music) Harmonizing together; accordant.
- Of or relating to consonants; made up of, or containing many, consonants.
Credits
New World Encyclopedia writers and editors copied and adjusted this Wiktionary entry in accordance with NWE standards. This article abides by terms of the Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0 License (CC-by-sa), which may be used and disseminated with proper attribution. Credit for this article is due to both New World Encyclopedia contributors and the selfless volunteer contributors of the Wikimedia Foundation. To cite this article click here for a list acceptable citing formats.The history of earlier contributions at Wiktionary is accessible to researchers here:
