window (n.)

In PHONETICS, the name of a model of COARTICULATION which recognizes a range of ARTICULATORY or ACOUSTIC values with which a FEATURE (e.g. degree of NASALIZATION or lip-ROUNDING) is associated. Windows have a width which represents the range of a SEGMENT’s contextual variability: narrow windows allow for little variation; wide windows allow for a great deal. Adjacent windows are connected by paths, or contours, constrained by the requirements of smoothness and minimal articulatory effort.