spirant

noun

spi·​rant ˈspī-rənt 

: a consonant (such as \f\, \s\, \sh\) uttered with friction of the breath against some part of the oral passage : fricative

spirant adjective

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Latin spirant-, spirans, present participle of spirare to breathe

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above