Glottal

/ˈɡlɒtəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or produced by the glottis, the opening between the vocal cords in the larynx.

Etymology

Derived from 'glottis' (Greek 'glotta,' meaning tongue) + '-al' (suffix indicating relation). The term became standard in phonetics during the 19th century as scientists studied voice production.

Kelly Says

The glottal stop—that tiny pause in your throat when you say 'uh-oh'—is one of the most used sounds in human language, but most people never realize they're making it.

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