What term describes the repetition of initial consonant sounds in a phrase or sentence?

The term that describes the repetition of initial consonant sounds in a phrase or sentence is alliteration. This literary device is often used in poetry, prose, and tongue twisters to create rhythm, enhance mood, or emphasize particular phrases. For instance, in the phrase "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers," the repeated 'P' sound is an example of alliteration that draws attention to the rhythm and playfulness of the language.

Other terms, while related to sound, refer to different types of repetition. Assonance pertains to the repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words, which creates internal rhyming rather than focusing on consonants. Consonance involves the repetitive sounds produced by consonants within or at the end of words in a sentence or phrase. Rhyme specifically refers to the matching of sounds at the ends of lines, typically in poetry, rather than the initial sounds. Each of these devices has its unique function in enhancing language but alliteration specifically targets the repetition of initial consonant sounds.