One of the parameters used to specify vowel quality. The height of a vowel refers to the estimated relationship between the highest point of the tongue and the roof of the oral cavity. If the highest point of the tongue is close to the roof then the vowel is termed high or close (examples i u). Vowels where the highest point of the tongue is at its maximum distance from the roof are called low or open (examples a ɑ). Intermediate points are called close-mid, high-mid or half close (examples e o) and open-mid, low-mid or half open (examples ɛ ɔ)