phonate

[ foh-neyt ]

verb (used with or without object)

, pho·nat·ed, pho·nat·ing.

1. Phonetics. to provide (a sound source, and hence the pitch) for a given voiced continuant or vowel, through rapid, periodic glottal action.
2. to vocalize.

phonate

/ ˈfəʊnətərɪ; -trɪ; fəʊˈneɪt /

verb

1. intr to articulate speech sounds, esp to cause the vocal cords to vibrate in the execution of a voiced speech sound

Derived Forms

• phonatory, adjective
• phoˈnation, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of phonate¹

First recorded in 1875–80; phon- + -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of phonate¹

C19: from Greek phōnē voice

Related Words

• affirm
• articulate
• intone
• lay down
• outline
• propound
• utter