Which manner of articulation category does /t/ fit under?

The sound /t/ fits under the category of "stop" due to its specific characteristics in articulation. Stops, also known as plosives, occur when airflow is completely blocked in the vocal tract, creating a build-up of pressure that is released suddenly.

In the case of /t/, the tongue touches the alveolar ridge (the bony ridge just behind the upper front teeth), completely obstructing the airflow. When the tongue is released, the air rushes out, producing the /t/ sound. This instantaneous release of pressure is the key feature that defines it as a stop consonant.

In contrast, fricatives involve a partial blockage of airflow that creates turbulence, nasals allow the airflow to pass through the nasal cavity, and glides are characterized by a more gradual change of articulatory position without complete closure of airflow. Thus, /t/ is unmistakably classified as a stop due to its method of articulation.