Frication

/frɪˈkeɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The linguistic process of producing fricative sounds by forcing air through a narrow opening in the mouth.

Etymology

From Latin 'fricare' meaning to rub or scrape, plus the suffix '-tion.' In phonetics, it describes the friction created when air passes through a constricted space.

Kelly Says

When you make an 'f' or 'sh' sound, you're doing frication—creating friction between your breath and your mouth, which is literally where the word comes from!

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