consonantism

[ kon-suh-nuhn-tiz-uhm ]

noun

1. the system of consonants of a particular language.
2. the nature, distribution, or phonology of the consonants of a word, group of words, or language.

Word History and Origins

Origin of consonantism¹

First recorded in 1870–75; consonant + -ism

Example Sentences

The Limitational Element of Oral Speech is Consonantism, or, specifically, the Consonant Sounds, which for that reason are otherwise denominated Articulations, or jointings; as they are the breaks of the otherwise continuous vocal utterance of Vowel Sound, and, at the same time, the joinings between the fragments of Vowel Sound, namely, the Vowels, and the surrounding and intervening medium of Silence.

From Project Gutenberg