EDIT International Phonetic Alphabet

+ This symbol shows, when a sound is pronounced very shortly
+ Example in English // police [pə˘liˑs]
+ Visual characterization // semi-circle with an open top, placed above the small letter

+ Other // This symbol belongs to the suprasegmentalia, or suprasegmental symbols, which characterize the intensity of sounds.


Synonyms

English
+ Breve


+ Source //
Principles of the International Phonetic Association, London, 1949. /
Journal of the International Phonetic Association, 1989. /
Wikipedia. Die Liste der IPA-Zeichen & History of the International Phonetic Alphabet. /
Handbook of the International Phonetic Association: A Guide to the Use of the International Phonetic Alphabet. /
Pullum, Geoffrey and William A. Ladusaw. Phonetic Symbol Guide. Second edition.

 FrauFriedrich