apicalization

9.9

Using the tip of the tongue to make a consonant sound by blocking the air

noun
/ˌeɪpɪkəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/

Specialized

: apicalización

The process of apicalization involves raising the tongue tip to touch the alveolar ridge.

Examples

The apicalization of the consonant was evident in her speech.
Researchers noted a marked increase in apicalization among speakers of the regional dialect.
In some languages, apicalization can distinguish between two different consonants.
He studied the effects of apicalisation on language acquisition.
In some languages, apicalization can distinguish between two different consonants.
Researchers noted a marked increase in apicalization among speakers of the regional dialect.
The process of apicalization involves raising the tongue tip to touch the alveolar ridge.

Surface Forms

apicalization singular

apicalizations plural

Morphology

apicalization = apical (semi-transparent) = apic + al + ization

The word is transparently built from apical plus -ization, but the phonetic sense is specialized and not fully guessable from the base alone.

Etymology

Apicalization comes from apical, which comes from the Latin apex meaning 'tip' or 'top', and the ending -ization meaning 'the act of'. So apicalization is the act of using the 'tip' of the tongue, called the apex, to touch the roof of the mouth and make a consonant sound.