double consonant

noun

1
: a consonant letter occurring twice in succession in a word (as nn in tunnel)
2
a
: an acoustic impression apprehended or functioning as two consonants, produced by prolonging an articulation (as of \s\ in bus seat), by repeating an articulation (as of \r\ in Spanish parra), or by prolonging the interval between successive components of an articulation (as between the occlusion and the release of \t\ in coattail)
b
: a consonant produced by a simultaneous double articulation (as a \p\ pronounced with release of both lips and glottis)
c
: two different consonant sounds occurring in succession (as \mp\ in stamp)

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Cite this Entry

“Double consonant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double%20consonant. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

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