I. vōˈkalik, vəˈ-, -lēk adjective
Etymology: probably from (assumed) New Latin vocalicus, from Latin vocalis vowel (from feminine of vocalis sounding, sonorous, vocal) + -icus -ic
1. : marked by or consisting of vowels
the Gaelic language being uncommonly vocalic — Sir Walter Scott
2.
a. : being or functioning as a vowel
vocalic and consonantal sounds
b. : of, relating to, or associated with a vowel
a vocalic sign
the vocalic ablaut
3. : having the character or some of the characteristics of a vowel sound
the vocalic nature of r — John Peile
4. : characterized by vowel change
vocalic preterits
• vo·cal·i·cal·ly adverb
II. noun
( -s )
: a vowel sound or phoneme or a diphthong or triphthong that functions as the peak of syllables : a syllabic nucleus