Langimage
English

palatal

|pal/a/tal|

C1

/ˈpælətl/

relating to the palate

Etymology
Etymology Information

'palatal' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'palatum', where 'palatum' meant 'roof of the mouth'.

Historical Evolution

'palatum' transformed into the French word 'palatal', and eventually became the modern English word 'palatal'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'roof of the mouth', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'relating to the palate or articulated with the palate'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

relating to the palate, the roof of the mouth.

The palatal surface of the teeth is important for speech.

Synonyms

Adjective 2

(Phonetics) Articulated with the tongue against or near the hard palate.

The sound /ʃ/ is a palatal consonant.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/14 15:32