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)

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near double consonant

Cite this Entry

“Double consonant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double%20consonant. Accessed 27 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!