What is described as a sound produced by forcing air through a narrow opening between teeth and lips?

The identification of a sound produced by forcing air through a narrow opening between teeth and lips accurately aligns with the term "frictive." Fricative sounds are characterized by the turbulent airflow that occurs when air is forced through a constricted space, creating a noisy sound. This is typical of certain consonants in English, such as /f/, /v/, /s/, /z/, /ʃ/ (as in "she"), and /ʒ/ (as in "measure"). The description specifies the mechanics of fricatives, where the interaction between articulators (in this case, teeth and lips) creates the distinctive friction that defines these sounds.

In contrast, other options describe different types of sounds or sound production mechanisms. Nasal sounds involve the airflow being allowed to escape through the nose, which is noticeably different from the constriction required for fricatives. Continuant sounds refer to sounds that can be prolonged or stretched out without the airflow being interrupted, which includes fricatives but also encompasses other sound types. Aspiration pertains to the burst of breath that is sometimes produced with a sound, especially in certain voiced consonants, and does not directly relate to the friction generated between teeth and lips. Thus, "frictive" is