Phonetics .

(in English articulation) a speech sound produced without occluding, diverting, or obstructing the flow of air from the lungs ( opposed to consonant ).

(in a syllable) the sound of greatest sonority, as i in grill. Compare consonant ( def. 1b ) .

(in linguistic function) a concept empirically determined as a phonological element in structural contrast with consonant, as the (?) of be (b?), we (w?), and yeast (y?st).

a letter representing or usually representing a vowel, as, in English, a, e, i, o, u, and sometimes w and y.

of or pertaining to a vowel.

adjective

vocalic