place of articulation: in the pronunciation of a consonant, a primary constriction in the vocal tract caused by two articulators (an active [1] and a passive [1]); sometimes called "point of articulation". (Note that this term, as it is understood today, does not refer to a "place" in the ordinary sense, but a pairing of two parts of the vocal tract.) Generally the place of articulation is named according to the passive articulator, the one which moves less in forming the sound. Still, it is more precise to name both articulators, active and passive. For example, English t is alveolar, and more precisely, apico-alveolar. The most frequently mentioned places of articulation (in order from the lips towards the throat) are bilabial, labiodental, dental, alveolar, retroflex, palato-alveolar, palatal, velar, and glottal. (See the diagram of places of articulation.) Compare manner of articulation. [Spanish: zona de articulación]