plosive (adj./n.)

A term used in the PHONETIC classification of CONSONANT sounds on the basis of their MANNER OF ARTICULATION: it refers to a sound made when a complete CLOSURE in the VOCAL TRACT is suddenly released; the air pressure which had built up behind the closure rushes out with an explosive sound, hence the term. Examples in English are  . Plosion is the term used to refer to the outwards movement of air upon release. Plosive consonants are one type of STOP consonant. It is also possible, using a different AIRSTREAM MECHANISM than the one which produces an outwards flow of lung air, to produce plosives (IMPLOSIVES) where the air upon release moves inwards.