glottal

[ glot-l ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the glottis.
2. Phonetics. articulated at the glottis.

noun

1. glottal stop.

glottal

/ ˈɡlɒtəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to the glottis
2. phonetics articulated or pronounced at or with the glottis

Other Words From

• sub·glottal adjective
• sub·glottal·ly adverb
• super·glottal adjective
• super·glottal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of glottal¹

First recorded in 1840–50; glott(is) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

The researchers measured the opening between vocal folds—known as the glottal gap—as they opened, closed, and vibrated while the women spoke at different pitches.

From Science Magazine

Every glottal stop in Rebekah del Rio's "Llorando," the Spanish rendition of Roy Orbison's "Crying" performed in Club Silencio, was punctuated by the sounds of some dude drifting in and out of consciousness.

From Salon

It’s actually a glottal sound, meaning it emanates from the glottis, in the back of the throat — a muscle English speakers don’t get to exercise much.

From Seattle Times

Under Ms. Gustern’s guidance, she began to exhale before hitting certain notes and to pronounce an ‘h’ before glottal strikes.

From New York Times

Meanwhile, a weasel-like animal called a fisher waited nearby, making glottal noises inside a wire trap.

From Salon