Uvular

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈjuːvjʊlə/

Definitions

1. Pertaining to the small, fleshy structure at the rear of the mouth, it also relates to specific sounds articulated using this structure, and encompasses both anatomical and phonetic characteristics associated with it
2. This term refers to that small fleshy appendage located in the throat, includes the sounds produced through the use of this structure, and covers its role in both anatomy and phonetics
3. Connected to the small flap of tissue hanging at the throat's back ; describing certain speech sounds formed by the uvula's movement

Etymology: The small fleshy lobe dangling at the back of the throat has a name that is simply a diminutive of a Latin word for a grape. "Uvula" comes from Latin "ūva," meaning grape, with the diminutive ending "-ula," so the little hanging flap was pictured as a tiny grape. "Uvular" adds the Latin adjectival suffix "-āris" to that stem, giving a word meaning "of or relating to the uvula." The term's second sense, describing speech sounds articulated by raising or lowering the back of the tongue against the uvula, follows naturally from the anatomy. Sounds such as the French "r" in "rouge" or the German "ch" in "Bach" are produced in this region, which is why phoneticians use the adjective to classify them.

Synonyms: velar, pharyngeal, lingual, palatal, dental