semivowel

[ sem-ee-vou-uhl ]

noun

1. Phonetics. a speech sound of vowel quality used as a consonant, as (w) in wet or (y) in yet.

semivowel

/ ˈsɛmɪˌvaʊəl /

noun

1. a vowel-like sound that acts like a consonant, in that it serves the same function in a syllable carrying the same amount of prominence as a consonant relative to a true vowel, the nucleus of the syllable. In English and many other languages the chief semivowels are (w) in well and (j), represented as y, in yell
2. a frictionless continuant classified as one of the liquids; (l) or (r)

Word History and Origins

Origin of semivowel¹

1520–30; semi- + vowel; replacing semivocal < Latin sēmivocālis half vowel

Example Sentences

The orthography also, in its more sparing use of the semivowels to indicate the vowels u and i, resembles that of the Bible.

From Project Gutenberg

In these words the i represents the semivowel y, into which the original g was changed.

From Project Gutenberg

All other consonants are semivowels, and are pronounced with a continuous sound.

From Project Gutenberg

They should therefore adhere strictly to their "tonics, subtonics, and atonics;" which classes, though apparently the same as vowels, semivowels, and mutes, are better adapted to their new and peculiar division of these elements.

From Project Gutenberg

U and V are now, however, differentiated, U being used only as a vowel or semivowel, and V only as a consonant.

From Project Gutenberg