velar
|ve-lar|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˈviːlər/
🇬🇧
/ˈviːlə/
soft palate
Etymology
Etymology Information
'velar' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'velaris,' where 'velum' meant 'curtain or sail.'
Historical Evolution
'velaris' transformed into the English word 'velar' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'related to a curtain or sail,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'related to the soft palate.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a sound produced with the back of the tongue against the velum, such as /k/ or /g/.
In English, the sounds /k/ and /g/ are examples of velars.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
relating to the velum, or the soft palate, in the mouth.
The velar consonants are articulated with the back of the tongue against the soft palate.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/07/26 06:41