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Approximant vs Affricate - What's the difference?

approximant | affricate |

In phonetics terms the difference between approximant and affricate

is that approximant is a consonant sound made by slightly narrowing the vocal tract, while still allowing a smooth flow of air. Liquids and glides are approximants while affricate is a sound produced using a combination of a plosive and a fricative. English sounds /t͡ʃ/ (catch) and /d͡ʒ/ (jury) are examples.

approximant

English

Noun

(Approximant consonant) (en noun)
  • (phonetics) a consonant sound made by slightly narrowing the vocal tract, while still allowing a smooth flow of air. Liquids and glides are approximants.
  • (mathematics) An approximation to the solution of a function, series, etc.

    • See also

    * liquid * glide * consonant ----

    affricate

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (phonetics) A sound produced using a combination of a plosive and a fricative. English sounds /t??/ (catch'') and /d??/ (''j ury) are examples.

    • Derived terms

    * affrication ----