Spirant
/ˈspaɪərənt/
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Pronouncing Spirants
To say a spirant correctly, gently push air through a narrow space in your mouth. 
When you say 'f' in 'fish', you're pronouncing a voiceless spirant.
Pro Tip 2/3Voicing Differences
Voiceless spirants, like 's', are made without using vocal cords, unlike voiced spirants, like 'z'. 
To feel the difference, place a finger on your throat as you alternate between 's' and 'z'.
Pro Tip 3/3Spotting Spirants
Identify spirants in words by looking for letters that create a hissing or buzzing sound. 
The 's' in 'snake' and the 'v' in 'van' are both spirants.