'Continuant' definitions:

Definition of 'continuant'

From: WordNet
adjective
Of speech sounds produced by forcing air through a constricted passage (as `f', `s', `z', or `th' in both `thin' and `then') [syn: fricative, continuant, sibilant, spirant, strident]
noun
Consonant articulated by constricting (but not closing) the vocal tract [syn: continuant consonant, continuant] [ant: occlusive, plosive, plosive consonant, plosive speech sound, stop, stop consonant]

Definition of 'Continuant'

From: GCIDE
  • Continuant \Con*tin"u*ant\, a. Continuing; prolonged; sustained; as, a continuant sound. -- n. A continuant sound; a letter whose sound may be prolonged. [1913 Webster]