An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

In general, a speech sound in whose production the flow of air is obstructed at some point in the mouth, throat, or larynx, at least sufficiently to cause audible friction. A speech sound other than a → vowel.

Etymology (EN): M.E., from L. consonant-, consonans “sounding with,” p.p. of consonare  “to sound together, agree,” from → com- “together,” +  sonare “to sound;” originally a sound that had to be accompanied by a vowel.

Etymology (PE): Hamâvâ, literally “sounding with,” from ham-, → com-,

• âvâ, → phone.