Which articulatory configuration describes labiodental sounds?

Labiodental sounds are produced with the upper teeth coming in contact with the lower lip. This specific articulatory configuration allows for the creation of sounds such as /f/ and /v/, where the airflow is guided through the narrow gap formed by this contact.

Understanding this configuration is crucial for recognizing how various sounds are classified in phonetics. The focus is on the specific interaction between the teeth and lip, which is the defining characteristic of labiodental sounds. Other articulatory configurations, such as placing the tongue against the teeth or the lips pressing together, describe different classes of sounds, while nasal airflow does not pertain to labiodental sounds at all. Thus, the clarity of the interaction between the upper teeth and lower lip is what makes this answer particularly accurate.