What does the term 'abduction' refer to in phonetics?

The term 'abduction' in phonetics refers to the position of the vocal folds being apart. This state is essential for producing voiceless sounds because when the vocal folds are abducted, airflow can pass freely through the glottis without causing them to vibrate. This contrasts with 'adduction,' where the vocal folds come together and can vibrate to produce voiced sounds. Understanding this distinction is crucial for analyzing different speech sounds and their production. In summary, abduction is specifically associated with the separation of the vocal folds, allowing for certain types of sounds to be produced effectively.