palatal Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a semivowel produced with the tongue near the palate (like the initial sound in the English word `yeast')
  2. adjective relating to or lying near the palate
    palatine.
    • palatal index
    • the palatine tonsils
  3. adjective satellite produced with the front of the tongue near or touching the hard palate (as `y') or with the blade of the tongue near the hard palate (as `ch' in `chin' or `j' in `gin')
    palatalized; palatalised.

WordNet

Pal"a*tal adjective
Etymology
Cf. F. palatal.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to the palate; palatine; as, the palatal bones.
  2. (Phonetics) Uttered by the aid of the palate; -- said of certain sounds, as the sound of k in kirk.
Pal"a*tal noun
Definitions
  1. (Phon.) A sound uttered, or a letter pronounced, by the aid of the palate, as the letters k and y.

Webster 1913