ingressive (adj./n.)

A term used in the PHONETIC classification of speech sounds, referring to all sounds produced using an inwards-moving AIRSTREAM MECHANISM. The opposite category is EGRESSIVE, which is the normal mode for speech production. Ingressive sounds (‘ingressives’) are often heard incidentally, as when one speaks while breathing in, when out of breath, or vocalizes upon a sudden intake of breath when expressing pain or surprise. Two types of ingressive sound are used as part of the PHONEMIC systems of some LANGUAGES: IMPLOSIVE CONSONANTS such as  , made by an inward flow of air in conjunction with GLOTTAL vibration; and VELARIC consonants, which constitute such CLICK sounds as [|] (as in ‘tut tut’), made by an inward flow of air in conjunction with contact made at the velum.