What is the term for the repetition of initial consonant sounds?

The repetition of initial consonant sounds in a sequence of words or phrases is known as alliteration. This poetic device is often used to create rhythm, enhance mood, or emphasize a point in literature and speech. Alliteration can add a musical quality to a text, making it more engaging and memorable for the reader or listener. For instance, phrases like "wild and windy" or "the fair breeze blew" exemplify this technique, where the repeated 'w' and 'b' sounds contribute to the overall sound patterns and aesthetic.

Other terms, such as assonance, refer to the repetition of vowel sounds specifically, while anecdote denotes a brief story about a real event, and allusion involves a reference to another text or historical figure. These definitions highlight the unique role alliteration plays among literary devices, reinforcing why it is the correct answer for this question.