Pronunciation: [lˈe͡ɪbɪəli] (IPA) 
Labially is a word that relates to the lips or their movements. It is spelled with two L's and a Y after the first A. In IPA phonetic transcription, this word can be represented as /ləˈbiːəli/. The first syllable is pronounced as "luh," followed by a long "be" sound and a short "uh." The final syllable is pronounced as "lee." The Y between the two A's represents the sound of a short "i" in English.
Labially is an adverb derived from the adjective "labial," which pertains to or relates to the lips. In anatomical terms, it refers specifically to the lips or structures associated with the lips.
In linguistics, labially is used to describe sounds produced by the lips in speech or language. It refers to a manner of articulation where the upper and lower lips come together or interact in the production of speech sounds. Labially produced sounds often involve the lips closing, contacting, or moving towards each other to shape a particular sound. Examples of labially produced sounds include bilabial consonants like /p/, /b/, /m/, and labiodental consonants like /f/ and /v/.
Beyond linguistics and anatomy, labially can also describe movements and gestures involving the lips. For instance, when someone puckers their lips to blow a kiss or a candle, it can be referred to as a labially produced gesture. Additionally, labially can describe the anatomical relationships of structures near the lips. For example, when certain dental or orthodontic procedures involve adjustments or movements closer to the lips, they can be described as affecting the labial region.
Overall, labially is an adverb that describes actions, sounds, or structures related to or involving the lips, predominantly used in the fields of linguistics and anatomy.
Toward the lips.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word labially is derived from the noun labium, which comes from Latin. Labium refers to the lip or lips. The suffix -ally is added to the noun labium to form labially, which functions as an adverb. Therefore, labially describes something that is related to the lips or is performed using the lips. For example, in phonetics, labially is used to describe sounds produced by involving the lips, such as the consonants p, b, or m.
