continuant Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun consonant articulated by constricting (but not closing) the vocal tract
    continuant consonant.
  2. adjective satellite of speech sounds produced by forcing air through a constricted passage (as `f', `s', `z', or `th' in both `thin' and `then')
    spirant; fricative; sibilant; strident.

WordNet

Con*tin"u*ant adjective
Definitions
  1. Continuing; prolonged; sustained; as, a continuant sound. -- n. A continuant sound; a letter whose sound may be prolonged.

Webster 1913