labiovelar
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˌleɪbiəʊˈvɛlər/
KK: /labiovelar/
adjective
Definition
Describing a sound that is produced with both the lips and the back of the tongue.
Example
The sound 'kw' in the word 'quick' is a labiovelar sound.
Conversation
Have you ever heard the term labiovelar?
No, I haven't! What does it mean?
It refers to sounds that are both labial and velar, like in the word 'quick'.
That's interesting! I didn't realize there were specific terms for sounds like that.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
bilabial
velar
labial
Antonyms
dental
alveolar
palatal
noun
Definition
A type of sound made with both the lips and the back of the tongue.
Example
The word 'kwan' contains a labiovelar sound.
Conversation
Have you ever heard of a labiovelar sound in linguistics?
No, I haven't! What is that?
It's a sound that combines both lip and velar articulation, like in some African languages.
Root Explanation
Labiovelar is formed from "labio-" (from Latin "labium", meaning lip) and "velar" (from Latin "velaris", meaning related to the velum or soft palate). The term refers to sounds produced with both the lips and the soft palate, combining these two articulatory features.
Memory Tip
Think of 'labio-' which relates to lips and 'velar' which refers to the soft palate — this helps you remember that 'labiovelar' describes sounds made using both the lips and the soft palate.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.