speech sound

noun

, Phonetics.

1. any of the set of distinctive sounds of a given language. Compare phoneme.
2. any audible, elemental, acoustic event occurring in speech: Compare phone ².

   “Go” contains the speech sound “o.”

3. any of the sounds of the entire phonetic system of a language.

Word History and Origins

Origin of speech sound¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Hence salubris oratio means a speech sound in matter, possessing original strength; sana, a temperate and discreet speech.

From Project Gutenberg

By the age of two—or less—the child should be able to imitate exactly any speech-sound.

From Project Gutenberg

It makes our speech sound like that of a gushing school girl, to whom everything is very, awfully sweet.

From Project Gutenberg

It was not a speech sound, but a kind of whine, always coupled with a deep sigh.

From Project Gutenberg

He had the power of making his speech sound like a deep, soft music.

From Project Gutenberg