alveolar (adj.)

A term in the classification of CONSONANT sounds on the basis of their PLACE OF ARTICULATION: it refers to a sound made by the BLADE of the TONGUE (or the TIP and blade together) in contact against the alveolar ridge (or alveolum), which is the bony prominence immediately behind the upper teeth. A number of sounds are given an alveolar articulation in English – [t], [d], [l], [n], [s] and [z]. If the sound is articulated towards the back of the alveolar ridge, near where the palate begins, the term post-alveolar can be used. In English the r in red, trip, drill is articulated in POST-alveolar position.