occlusive

/ɔ'klu:siv/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
occlusive

The linguist demonstrates an occlusive sound by saying "p" and "b".

Definition
  1. Adjective:

    • Tending to occlude: Describes something that has the property of closing, blocking, or obstructing a passage or opening.
  2. Noun:

    • A consonant produced by stopping the flow of air at some point and suddenly releasing it: In phonetics, a speech sound made by completely blocking the airflow in the vocal tract and then releasing it. This category includes sounds like /p/, /t/, /k/, /b/, /d/, and /g/.
Usage Examples
  • Adjective:

    • The doctor noted the occlusive nature of the plaque in the artery. (The plaque had a blocking tendency.)
    • An occlusive dressing is used to seal a wound from air and moisture. (The dressing has a sealing property.)
  • Noun:

    • The sounds /p/ and /b/ are both bilabial occlusives. (These are consonants made by stopping air with the lips.)
    • In English, occlusives are also called stop consonants or plosives. (These terms refer to the same type of sound.)
Advanced Usage
  • In Phonetics: The term "occlusive" is often used interchangeably with "stop" or "plosive." However, some linguistic analyses distinguish "occlusive" as a broader category that includes both oral stops (plosives) and nasal stops (like /m/, /n/), where airflow is blocked in the mouth but continues through the nose.
    • Linguists debate whether nasals should be classified as occlusives.
Variants and Related Words
  • Occlude (verb): To close, block, or obstruct.
    • A blood clot can occlude a coronary artery.
  • Occlusion (noun): The process or state of being occluded; an obstruction.
    • The patient suffered a coronary occlusion.
  • Non-occlusive (adjective): Not causing an obstruction.
    • The bandage was non-occlusive and allowed the skin to breathe.
Synonyms
  • Adjective: Obstructive, blocking, closing.
  • Noun: Stop (consonant), plosive.
Antonyms
  • Adjective: Permeable, open, patent.
  • Noun: Continuant, fricative (a consonant made by a partial blockage creating friction, like /f/ or /s/).
Related Phrases/Compounds
  • Occlusive arterial disease: A medical condition involving the blockage of arteries.
  • Occlusive stroke: A stroke caused by the blockage of a blood vessel in the brain.
  • Velar occlusive: A stop consonant produced with the back of the tongue against the soft palate (velum), such as /k/ or /g/.
occlusive

The linguist demonstrates an occlusive sound by saying "p" and "b".

Adjective
  1. tending to occlude
Noun
  1. a consonant produced by stopping the flow of air at some point and suddenly releasing it
    • his stop consonants are too aspirated