plosives
Explosive speech sounds
Plosives are consonant sounds produced by completely blocking airflow in the mouth, then releasing it in a small burst.
In English, the plosives are p, b, t, d, k, and g.
The term comes from the same root as explosion, capturing the quick release of built-up air pressure.
Singers and broadcasters often use pop filters to soften plosives, which can cause unwanted bursts of sound in microphones.
Made with both lips
- alveolarOf tooth sockets
- velarSoft-palate speech sound
- glottalOf the throat opening
- stopCease all motion
voiceless · voiced · aspiration · affricate · fortis · gemination · unreleased · aspirated
Break apart suddenly
- releaseTo let go
- closureSense of emotional resolution
- obstructionSomething blocking the way
- airstreamMoving body of air
occlusion · constriction · blockage · oral cavity · velum · glottis · pressure buildup · manner of articulation
Frequency-over-time display
- waveformGraphed oscillation pattern
- spectral analysisWavelength-based substance identification
- intensityStrength or force level
- transientTemporary, soon departing
Sixteenth alphabet character
Non-pulmonic speech sounds
bilabial
Made with both lips
stop · voiceless · voiced · aspiration · affricate · fortis · gemination · unreleased · aspirated · allophone
burst
Break apart suddenly
- releaseTo let go
- closureSense of emotional resolution
- obstructionSomething blocking the way
airstream · occlusion · constriction · blockage · oral cavity · velum · glottis · pressure buildup · manner of articulation
spectrogram
Frequency-over-time display
- waveformGraphed oscillation pattern
- spectral analysisWavelength-based substance identification
- intensityStrength or force level
P
Sixteenth alphabet character
click consonants
Non-pulmonic speech sounds
plosivesfricatives
Consonants with audible turbulence
nasals · liquids · glides · sibilants · semivowels