a speech sound, such as (l), (r), (f), or (s), in which the closure of the vocal tract is incomplete, allowing the continuous passage of the breath
adjective
2.
relating to or denoting a continuant
continuant in American English
(kənˈtɪnjuənt)
noun
Phonetics
a speech sound that can be prolonged as long as the breath lasts, with no significant change in the quality of the sound: continuants include fricatives (s, f, (θ) , etc.), nasals (m, n, ŋ), liquids (l, r), and vowels