1. a speech sound that can be prolonged without interruption, such as a vowel or fricative
Usage: linguistics

1. continuing or lasting; persistent
Usage: formal

Examples

• The letter ‘s’ represents a continuant sound in English.
• Vowels are classic examples of continuant sounds.
• The fricative ‘f’ is a continuant that can be held indefinitely.
• The continuant nature of the protest impressed observers.
• Her continuant efforts finally paid off.
• The continuant rainfall lasted for days.