Alveolars

/ælˈviːələrz/ noun

Definition

Plural of alveolar; can refer to alveolar sounds in linguistics or to structures/tissues related to alveoli in anatomy.

Etymology

Plural form of alveolar, which comes from Latin alveolus (small cavity). In linguistics, alveolars are consonants articulated with the tongue against the alveolar ridge behind the upper teeth.

Kelly Says

Alveolars are one of the most common consonant sounds across world languages—your tongue is touching that bumpy ridge right now if you say 't' or 'd', making these some of the easiest sounds for babies to learn.

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