%spirant%

n. [ Cf. F. aspirant. ] One who aspires; one who eagerly seeks some high position or object of attainment. [ 1913 Webster ]

In consequence of the resignations . . . the way to greatness was left clear to a new set of aspirants. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. conspirans, p. pr. of conspirare: cf. F. conspirant. ] Engaging in a plot to commit a crime; conspiring. [ Obs. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. spirans, -antis, p. pr. of spirare to breathe. See Spirit. ] (Phon.) A term used differently by different authorities; -- by some as equivalent to fricative, -- that is, as including all the continuous consonants, except the nasals m, n, ng; with the further exception, by others, of the liquids r, l, and the semivowels w, y; by others limited to f, v, th surd and sonant, and the sound of German ch, -- thus excluding the sibilants, as well as the nasals, liquids, and semivowels. See Guide to Pronunciation, §§ 197-208. [ 1913 Webster ]