What term describes sounds that are produced in a brief burst and cannot be prolonged?

The term that describes sounds produced in a brief burst and cannot be prolonged is "stop sounds." These sounds, also known as plosive sounds, are created by obstructing airflow in the vocal tract and then releasing it suddenly, which results in a short and definitive burst of sound. Examples of stop sounds in English include the sounds made by the letters "b," "p," "t," "d," "k," and "g," where airflow is completely stopped momentarily before being released.

This characteristic of producing a sharp and brief sound distinguishes stop sounds from continuous sounds, which can be held out over a longer duration, such as the sounds of "s" or "m." Vowel sounds also differ, as they are typically voiced and continuous, allowing for prolonged articulation. Blend sounds involve combining two or more consonants to create a new sound, but they do not fit the description of being produced as a quick burst. Therefore, stop sounds accurately represent the sounds that can be identified by their brief and definitive nature.