:Plosive:

Pronunciation GB: ˈpləʊsɪv, GA: ˈploʊsɪv

The name of a manner of articulation. Plosives are made with a complete closure in the vocal tract. If this closure is in the oral cavity the soft palate also must be raised to cut off the nasal cavity. Air pressure is allowed to build up behind the closure and then the articulators part, releasing the compressed air. Plosives are usually regarded as consisting of three phases: (1) approach, when the active articulator approaches the passive articulator (2) hold or compression, when the air pressure rises (3) release or plosion, when the articulators part. p b t d k g q ɢ are examples of plosives. Plosives are distinguished from affricates by having a rapid release.