approximant

Etymology

From Latin approximāns. In the phonetics sense first used by Peter Ladefoged, the mathematical concept is attributed to Paul Halmos.

noun

  1. (phonetics) A consonant sound made by slightly narrowing the vocal tract, while still allowing a smooth flow of air. Liquids and glides are approximants.
  2. (mathematics) An approximation to the solution of a function, series, etc.

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