Free stressSee variable stress. |
Free variationA pair of pronunciations, either of which can be used: the choice is not governed by grammatical factors. |
Frequency (phonetics)Rate of repetition of a (semi-)periodic function. Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz; 1000 Hz=1 kHz). 1 Hz is one cycle per second, so, if, for instance, a periodic waveform repeats 100 cycles per second, its frequency is 100 Hz. Compare word frequency. |
FricativeA sound produced by forcing air through a narrow constriction, which creates turbulence, resulting in audible friction noise. Examples of fricatives are [f s x]. |
Frictionless continuantAn older term for median approximant. |
FrontA vowel formed with the tongue horizontally positioned in front of the space for vowel articulation, closest to the mouth opening. |
Function wordA word, such as a determiner, conjunction, or modal, that has a grammatical function and is best characterized by this function. Contrasts with content word. |
Fundamental frequencyThe rate of vibration of the vocal folds. Also called F0. |
FusionalCharacterized by the combination of two or more morphosyntactic features in a single morpheme; adjective applied to morphological systems where this type of morphology is pervasive. |
FutureIn tense systems, a tense that expresses the meaning ‘occurring later than the moment of speech’. |