How does the airflow in a fricative differ from that in other consonants?

Fricative consonants are characterized by continuous airflow produced through a narrow constriction in the vocal tract, which causes turbulence. This partial obstruction allows air to flow freely, creating the characteristic sound of fricatives, such as /f/, /s/, and /z/. Unlike plosive consonants that involve a complete blockage of airflow followed by a sudden release (creating sounds like /p/ or /t/), fricatives maintain a steady stream of air throughout their articulation. This unique feature distinguishes them from other categories of consonants, where the airflow may be completely halted, or directed through the nasal cavity, as seen in nasal consonants like /m/ and /n/. The continuous nature of airflow with a partial obstruction is what defines fricatives and makes them distinct in terms of sound production.