probably a voiced velar plosive and the initial ⟨g⟩ was not silent: for example, German Gnom, a cognate of gnome, Gneis, a cognate of gneiss, etc. Examples Following is a list of words that include a silent ⟨k⟩ or ⟨g⟩. Plural nouns, as well as compound nouns derived from and containing simple nouns in the list, are ignored. For verbs, only the infinitive form of the verb is given, not any conjugations or derived verbs: ⟨kn⟩ Nouns knack knacker knackwurst knag knapsack knapweed knar knave knawel knee kneel knell knickerbockers knickers knickknack knife knight knob knock knoll knop knosp knot knout knowledge knuckle knur knurl Verbs beknave knap knead knee kneel knell knight knit knock knot know knurl Others knackered knaggy knavish knotty known knurly tightknit unbeknown antiknock ⟨gn⟩ align benign campaign design gnar gnarl gnarr gnash gnat gnathic gnathite gnaw gneiss gnome gnomon gnosis gnostic gnotobiotics gnu (animal name) reign sign See also Silent letter Silent e References K Phonotactics K