rks

rks is a three-letter consonant cluster that appears in English orthography as a consecutive sequence of the letters r, k, and s. It occurs in many common words, particularly at the end of syllables or words, such as works, jerks, forks, larks, marks, sharks, and quirks.

In pronunciation, the rks cluster is typically realized as a postvocalic r plus a velar k followed by a voiceless s. The exact sound can vary by dialect: some accents treat the sequence as a single syllable ending with the /ks/ sound, while others exhibit more r-coloring preceding the /ks/. For example, works is commonly pronounced with a final /ɜːrks/ or /ɜːrks/ ending, depending on the speaker.

Orthographically, rks most often arises when a root ends in -rk and an inflection or plural -s is added, or in words formed with -rk- plus -s in the base. It also appears inside words due to compounding or internal morphemes, as in quirks or sharks. The cluster is thus a frequent pattern in English spelling, reflecting both historical word formation and ongoing word creation.

Rks is not a standalone word or a widely recognized abbreviation; rather, it is a common orthographic sequence in the English language. Its frequency and distribution are typical of other short consonant clusters that occur at the ends of words, contributing to the variety of English syllable structures.