Chapter Consistence to Consonantly of C by Webster's Dictionary (1913 Edition)

the two poles in the scale of sounds produced by gradual approximation of the organ, of speech from the most open to the closest positions, the vowel being more open, the consonant closer; but there is a territory between them where the sounds produced partake of the qualities of both.

"A consonant is the result of audible friction, squeezing, or stopping of the breath in some part of the mouth (or occasionally of the throath.) The main distinction between vowels and consonants is, that while in the former the mouth configuration merely modifies the vocalized breath, which is therefore an essential element of the vowels, in consonants the narrowing or stopping of the oral passage is the foundation of the sound, and the state of the glottis is something secondary." H. Sweet.

Consonantal
(Con`so*nan"tal) a. Of the nature of a consonant; pertaining to consonants.

Consonantize
(Con"so*nant*ize) v. t. To change into, or use as, a consonant. "The vowel is consonantized, that is, made closer in position." Peile.

Consonantly
(Con"so*nant*ly), adv. In a consonant, consistent, or congruous manner; agreeably.