Claudent

/ˈklɔːdənt/ adjective

Definition

Linguistics term: describing a consonant or speech sound produced by obstructing air flow in the vocal tract; a stopped or occluded sound.

Etymology

From Latin claudent- (present participle of claudere 'to close'), referring to sounds that close off airflow, as in plosives and stops.

Kelly Says

Claudent consonants are why speech is rhythmic and grounded—every time you say p, b, t, d, k, or g, you're fully stopping airflow, creating that percussive beat that makes human speech so musical.

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