implosive (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 PLOSIVE sounds it is possible to make using an AIRSTREAM MECHANISM involving an inwards movement of air in the mouth (an INGRESSIVE airstream). A complete CLOSURE is made in the mouth, as with any plosive sound, but the air behind the closure is not compressed, ready for outwards release; instead, a downwards movement of the LARYNX takes place, and the air inside the mouth is accordingly rarefied. Upon release of the closure, air is then sucked into the mouth at the same time as the GLOTTIS is released, allowing lung air to produce some VOCAL FOLD vibration. It is this combination of movements that results in the characteristically ‘hollow’ auditory effect of the implosive consonants (or ‘implosives’). Such consonants are usually VOICED and occur PHONEMICALLY in such languages as Sindi and Ibo. They are transcribed with a right-facing hook attached to the consonant symbol, as in . Alternative terms are ‘ingressive stop’ and ‘suction stop’ consonants. There is no opposite technical term ‘explosive’.