From Ancient Greek γλωττίς (glōttís), derived from γλῶττα (glôtta), variant of γλῶσσα (glôssa, "tongue").

Sound production that involves moving the vocal folds close together is called glottal.

This sound is produced by keeping the vocal folds spread somewhat, resulting in non-turbulent airflow through the glottis.

Skilled players of the Australian didgeridoo restrict their glottal opening in order to produce the full range of timbres available on the instrument.

If the vocal folds are drawn apart, air flows between them causing no vibration, as in the production of voiceless consonants.