:Approximant:

Pronunciation GB: əˈprɒksɪmənt, GA: əˈprɑksɪməntmanner of articulation. Approximants are produced with an aperture between articulators which is not narrow enough at a moderate airflow velocity to cause air turbulence and audible friction. When approximant articulations are devoiced, the airflow is usually strong enough to cause slight turbulence and weak audible friction. Approximants may be median (examples: w j) or lateral (example: l).


Also called frictionless continuant.