What is the literary term for the repetition of consonant sounds within words?

The term that describes the repetition of consonant sounds within words is consonance. This literary device occurs when the same consonant sounds appear in close proximity, contributing to the rhythm and musicality of the language. For instance, in phrases like "pitter-patter" or "tick-tock," the repetition of similar consonant sounds enhances the auditory quality of the text, making it more engaging and memorable.

Alliteration, while related, specifically focuses on the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, rather than within them. Assonance refers to the repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words, which is distinct from consonance. A palindrome relates to words or phrases that read the same backward and forward, which does not involve sound repetition in the same way. Therefore, consonance is the most accurate term for describing the repetition of consonant sounds within words.