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Labial Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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labial

[หˆleษช.bi.ษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

anatomy description

Labial refers to anything related to the lips. In anatomical terms, it can describe structures, movements, or functions associated with the lips in humans or other animals.

Synonyms

labio-, lip-related.

Examples of usage

  • The labial frenum connects the lip to the gum.
  • Labial sounds are produced with the lips.
  • The dentist examined the labial mucosa during the check-up.
Context #2 | Noun

phonetics

In phonetics, labial refers to sounds produced with the lips, such as 'p', 'b', and 'm'. These sounds are formed by bringing the lips together or close to each other.

Synonyms

bilabial, lip sound.

Examples of usage

  • Labial consonants are essential in many languages.
  • The phonetic chart shows various labial sounds.
  • He emphasizes labial articulation in his speech lessons.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Linguistics

  • Labial sounds are among the first sounds babies learn to make, as they are easy to produce.
  • Languages around the world utilize labial consonants, demonstrating their universal nature in communication.
  • The labial fricative sounds, found in some languages, are produced by narrowing the lips without fully closing them.

Art and Culture

  • In theatre, labial articulation is essential for clear speech, especially in well-known Shakespearean plays.
  • Some musical instruments rely on labial sounds, like brass instruments, where players use their lips to create different notes.
  • Traditional dances often incorporate lip movements to convey emotion or meaning in cultural expressions.

Science

  • Noise produced by labials can be studied acoustically to understand speech patterns in different languages.
  • Research has shown that labial sounds can differ significantly in tone between various cultures and dialects.
  • In biology, the study of how lips form sounds also explores oral anatomy and its development in humans.

Origin of 'labial'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'labialis', which means 'of the lips'.
  • In linguistics, labial refers to sounds produced using the lips, like 'p' and 'b'.
  • The prefix 'labi-' in many languages is tied to words about lips and mouth actions.

The term 'labial' comes from the Latin word 'labialis', which means 'of the lips'. It is derived from 'labium', the Latin word for 'lip'. The usage of the term has evolved to encompass both anatomical references and phonetic classifications. In anatomy, it is used to describe structures associated with the lips, while in phonetics, it denotes sounds produced by the movement of the lips. The study of labials has been significant in linguistics, contributing to our understanding of articulation and speech production. The adoption of the term in various scientific fields highlights its relevance in both biological and linguistic contexts. Over time, 'labial' has maintained its connection to its Latin roots, while expanding its application in contemporary language and science.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,986, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.