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Glottal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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glottal

[ˈɡlɒt.əl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

phonetics feature

The term glottal refers to sounds produced using the glottis, which is the space between the vocal cords in the larynx. In phonetics, glottal sounds can include glottal stops, which occur when airflow is momentarily obstructed at the glottis. This feature is prominent in various languages and is a significant aspect of phonemic distinctions in certain dialects. Understanding the concept of glottal sounds is crucial for the study of speech production and language variation.

Synonyms

laryngeal, pharyngeal, vocal.

Examples of usage

  • The glottal stop is common in some British dialects.
  • She uses a glottal sound when pronouncing certain words.
  • In linguistics, glottalization can alter meaning.
  • Glottal fricatives can be found in several languages.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'glottal'

The term 'glottal' is derived from the Greek word 'glottis', which relates to the vocal cords and the opening between them. The word 'glottis' itself comes from 'glōtta', meaning 'language' or 'tongue' in Greek, reflecting the connection between speech and anatomy. The use of 'glottal' in English dates back to the early 20th century when linguistics began to explore different aspects of speech sounds more rigorously. This term is integral to phonetics and phonology, disciplines that study the sounds of human speech and their functions in languages globally. As the field evolved, the understanding of glottal sounds expanded, allowing for a better comprehension of their role in various languages.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,818, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.