= Syllable
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A <syllable> organizes speech sounds around a <syllable nucleus>, often a <vowel>. A preceding <syllable onset> and a following <syllable coda> can surround that nucleus. These components describe the organization of speech, rather than a requirement to pause between successive units.<Essentials of Linguistics (2nd edition) by Catherine Anderson and others>[Section3.10, Syllables: nucleus, onset, coda and the limits of physical boundary intuitions]{ref}
For example, in a simple pronunciation of “cat”, `[k]` occupies the onset, `[æ]` the nucleus and `[t]` the coda. A <syllable> can have an empty onset or coda, so the example's three-part form is not a mandatory template for every word. A <syllabic consonant> can also serve as a nucleus.
The distinction matters in <speech rhythm>: counting letters, counting <phonemes> and identifying <syllables> are different operations. Physical measurements of duration and <pitch contours> can be related to syllable organization, but they do not imply a silent gap at every proposed boundary.
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