Voice Onset Time
Also written as: VOT — Voice Onset Time
The temporal interval between the release of a consonant and the onset of vocal fold vibration in the following vowel.
Full Definition
Voice Onset Time (VOT) is a critical acoustic measurement in speech pathology used to assess the timing coordination between articulatory and phonatory systems. It represents the milliseconds between consonantal release and voicing initiation, particularly important in evaluating motor speech disorders and developmental phonological patterns. VOT analysis helps clinicians differentiate between voiced and voiceless consonant productions and identify subtle timing deficits that may not be perceptually obvious.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize when used as an acronym; lowercase when spelled out unless beginning a sentence.
In Context
- "The VOT measurements revealed abnormal timing patterns consistent with dysarthria." — Diagnostic report
- "Voice onset time analysis showed delayed voicing initiation in stop consonants." — Assessment documentation