ejective (adj./n.)

A term used in the PHONETIC classification of CONSONANT sounds on the basis of their MANNER OF ARTICULATION; it refers to the SERIES of sounds produced by using the glottalic AIRSTREAM MECHANISM. Air is compressed in the mouth or PHARYNX while the GLOTTIS remains closed, and then released. Ejective PLOSIVES are quite common in LANGUAGES (as in many languages of Africa and the Americas, e.g. Amharic, Quechua), and ejective FRICATIVES may also be found. These sounds are transcribed with a small raised GLOTTAL stop, or an apostrophe, following the segment involved, e.g. [p’], [s’]. Ejectives are also referred to as ‘glottalic’ sounds, and occasionally as ‘glottalized’ sounds.