labiodental
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /leɪbioʊˈdɛn.təl/
KK: /leɪbioʊˈdɛntəl/
adjective
Definition
Describing sounds that are made by using the lower lip and the upper teeth, such as the sounds 'f' and 'v'.
Example
The sounds 'f' and 'v' are examples of labiodental sounds in English.
Conversation
Did you know that some sounds are called labiodental sounds?
Really? I’ve never heard that term before.
Yeah, it refers to sounds like 'f' and 'v' made with the lips and teeth.
That's interesting! I’ll pay more attention to them next time.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
bilabial
dental
labial
Antonyms
nonlabial
nonbilabial
nonarticulated
noun
Definition
A sound made by using the lower lip against the upper teeth, such as the sounds 'f' and 'v'.
Example
In phonetics, the sounds 'f' and 'v' are classified as labiodental sounds.
Conversation
Did you know that the sound in 'f' is called a labiodental sound?
Really? I had no idea there was a specific term for it.
Yeah, it's interesting how many different sounds we make.
Root Explanation
Labiodental → It is formed from "labium" (from Latin, meaning lip) and "dentalis" (from Latin, meaning related to teeth). The word "labiodental" refers to sounds produced with the lips and teeth, specifically the articulation of certain consonants.
Memory Tip
Think of 'lips' ('labium') and 'teeth' ('dentalis') working together to create specific sounds — that's what labiodental means.
Visually Confused Words
bidental
bidential