Etymology
From Middle English consonant or consonaunt, from Old French consonant, from Latin cōnsonāns (sounding with), from the prefix con- (with) + the present participle sonāns (sounding), from sonāre (to sound). The Latin is a calque of Ancient Greek σύμφωνον or súmphōnon.
Noun
consonant (plural consonants)
- A sound that results from the passage of air through restrictions of the oral cavity; any sound that is not the dominant sound of a syllable, the dominant sound generally being a vowel.
- A letter representing the sound of a consonant.
- Every letter except A, E, I, O and U is a consonant, and Y is sometimes used as a consonant and sometimes as a vowel.
Derived terms
- consonantary
- consonant cluster
- consonant gradation
- nasal consonant
Adjective
consonant (comparative more consonant, superlative most consonant)
- consistent, harmonious, compatible, or in agreement.
- Having the same sound.
- (music) Harmonizing together; accordant.
- Of or relating to consonants; made up of, or containing many, consonants.
Credits
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