lenis
Syllabification: (le·nis)
Pronunciation: /ˈlēnis, ˈlā-/
Phonetics
Definition of lenis
adjective
- (of a consonant, in particular a voiced consonant) weakly articulated, especially denoting the less or least strongly articulated of two or more similar consonants. The opposite of fortis.
noun ( plural lenes /-nēz/)
Origin:
early 20th century: from Latin, literally 'mild, gentle'