— consonantlike , adj. — consonantly , adv.
/kon"seuh neuhnt/ , n.
1. Phonet.
a. (in English articulation) a speech sound produced by occluding with or without releasing /p, b; t, d; k, g/ , diverting /m, n, ng/ , or obstructing /f, v; s, z/ etc., the flow of air from the lungs (opposed to vowel ).
b. (in a syllable) any sound other than the sound of greatest sonority in the syllable, as b, r, and g in brig (opposed to sonant ). Cf. vowel (def. 1b).
c. (in linguistic function) a concept empirically determined as a phonological element in structural contrast with vowel, as the b of be, the w of we, the y, s, and t of yeast, etc.
2. a letter that usually represents a consonant sound.
adj.
3. in agreement; agreeable; in accord; consistent (usually fol. by to or with ): behavior consonant with his character.
4. corresponding in sound, as words.
5. harmonious, as sounds.
6. Music. constituting a consonance.
7. Physics. noting or pertaining to sounds exhibiting consonance.
8. consonantal.
[ 1350-1400; ME consona ( u ) nt ( consonant- (s. of consonans, prp. of consonare to sound with or together). See CON-, SONANT ]
Syn. 3. concordant, congruous, conformant.
Ant. 6. dissonant.