What is a syllable?

Definition
	A syllable is a unit of sound composed of
	a central peak of sonority (usually a vowel), and the consonants that cluster around this central peak.

Discussion
	Syllable structure, which is the combination of allowable segments and typical sound sequences, is language specific.

Parts
	Parts Description Optionality Onset Initial segment of a syllable Optional Rhyme Core of a syllable, consisting of a nucleus and coda (see below) Obligatory – Nucleus Central segment of a syllable Obligatory – Coda Closing segment of a syllable Optional

Example (English)
	Here is an example of the syllable structure of the English word limit:

Kinds
	Here are some kinds of syllables:
	Kind Description Example Heavy Has a branching rhyme. All syllables with a branching nucleus (long vowels) are considered heavy. Some languages treat syllables with a short vowel (nucleus followed by a consonant (coda) as heavy. CV:C, CVCC, CVC Light Has a non-branching rhyme (short vowel). Some languages treat syllables with a short vowel(nucleus) followed by a consonant (coda) as light. CV, CVC Closed Ends with a consonant coda. CVC, CVCC, VC Open Has no final consonant CV

Diagram
	Here is a diagram of a syllable: