/frik"euh tiv/ , Phonet.
adj.
1. (of a speech sound) characterized by audible friction produced by forcing the breath through a constricted or partially obstructed passage in the vocal tract; spirantal; spirant.
n.
2. Also called spirant . a fricative consonant, as /th/ , /v/ , or /h/ .
[ 1855-60; FRICAT(ION) + -IVE ]