What does occlusive mean?
Occlusive is a formal word relating to the act of closing or blocking something. In dentistry, it describes the biting surfaces of the teeth, which come together when the jaw closes. In linguistics, an occlusive is a consonant produced by completely closing the airflow at some point in the mouth and then releasing it; familiar examples include the sounds in pen, ten, and can. The term is also used more generally for something that closes or obstructs an opening. Although it sounds specialized, it appears in several practical contexts, especially examinations of the mouth and descriptions of speech sounds. For general readers, its unusual form can be remembered through its connection with occlusion, the process of closing, as when a dentist discusses the way opposing teeth meet.
Serving to close or block, especially relating to the meeting of the teeth or to a speech articulation that closes the airflow.
"The dentist checked the occlusive surfaces of the patient's back teeth."
In dentistry, it usually refers to the biting surfaces of the teeth. In linguistics, it describes sounds made with complete closure.
A speech sound made by completely closing the airflow and then releasing it; also called a stop consonant.
"The sounds /p/, /t/, and /k/ are occlusives."
This is a technical term in phonetics and linguistics.
The plural is used when referring to more than one occlusive speech sound or consonant.
"The textbook explains the different places of articulation of several occlusives."
In linguistics, an occlusive is named for the moment the airflow is completely shut off, making these sounds the consonants that create the clearest stops in speech.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of occlusive
The word comes from Latin occludere, formed from ob- meaning 'against' and claudere meaning 'to close.' In English, the related noun occlusion developed for the process of closing or for a blockage. The same Latin root underlies words such as include, exclude, seclude, and conclude, all of which involve bringing something together, shutting something out, or closing it off.
Related word forms
How occlusive is actually used
The technical adjective and noun senses are most common in dentistry and linguistics. In general use, the word is formal and less common than alternatives such as blocking or closing.