In phonetics , a nasal , also called a nasal occlusive , nasal stop in contrast with a nasal fricative , or nasal continuant , is an occlusive consonant produced with a lowered velum , allowing air to escape freely through the nose .
A nasal consonant is a type of consonant produced with a lowered velum in the mouth , allowing air to come out through the nose , while the air is not allowed to pass through the mouth because something ( like the tongue or the lips ) is stopping it .