Spirant
n.
A term used differently by different authorities; -- by some as equivalent to fricative , -- that is, as including all the continuous consonants, except the nasals m , n , ng ; with the further exception, by others, of the liquids r , l , and the semivowels w , y ; by others limited to f , v , th surd and sonant, and the sound of German ch , -- thus excluding the sibilants, as well as the nasals, liquids, and semivowels. See Guide to Pronunciation , §§ 197-208.
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