liquid: a sound which is pronounced with a central obstruction in the mouth, but one which, unlike the obstruction in stops or fricatives, does not significantly impede the flow of air. For instance, both the flapped r [] (of Spanish and many other languages) and [l] are considered liquids. In [], the tongue touches the alveolar ridge only briefly, and in [l] the air flows around around the sides of the tongue. (Thus, [l] is also classified as lateral.) See manner of articulation. [Spanish: líquido]

[Glosario lingüístico electrónico] / [Electronic linguistic glossary]
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