Palatal

/ˈpælətl/
adjective

Related to the roof of the mouth, also known as the palate.

The tongue helps produce palatal sounds when it touches the palate.
Visual representation of "palatal" - Related to the roof of the mouth, also known as the palate.

Often appears as...

  • palatal consonant
  • palatal sound

Usage tips

Technical

noun

A sound (as in English) produced by bringing the blade of the tongue against or close to the palate.

The 'y' sound in English is an example of a palatal.
Visual representation of "palatal" - A sound (as in English) produced by bringing the blade of the tongue against or close to the palate.

Often appears as...

  • posterior palatal
  • anterior palatal

Usage tips

Technica

noun

A dental appliance that fits against the palate and is used mainly in orthodontics.

The dentist recommended a palatal for my overbite.
Visual representation of "palatal" - A dental appliance that fits against the palate and is used mainly in orthodontics.

Often appears as...

  • removable palatal
  • fixed palatal
adjective

Related to the roof of the mouth, also known as the palate.

The tongue helps produce palatal sounds when it touches the palate.
Visual representation of "palatal" - Related to the roof of the mouth, also known as the palate.

Often appears as...

  • palatal consonant
  • palatal sound

Usage tips

Technical

noun

A sound (as in English) produced by bringing the blade of the tongue against or close to the palate.

The 'y' sound in English is an example of a palatal.
Visual representation of "palatal" - A sound (as in English) produced by bringing the blade of the tongue against or close to the palate.

Often appears as...

  • posterior palatal
  • anterior palatal

Usage tips

Technica

noun

A dental appliance that fits against the palate and is used mainly in orthodontics.

The dentist recommended a palatal for my overbite.
Visual representation of "palatal" - A dental appliance that fits against the palate and is used mainly in orthodontics.

Often appears as...

  • removable palatal
  • fixed palatal
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "palatal"
LampPro Tip 1/2

Speech Anatomy

Understand the physical aspect of 'palatal' to grasp how it influences pronunciation.

Illustration for Speech Anatomy
To make a palatal sound, press your tongue against your palate.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Pronunciation Distinction

Distinguishing 'palatal' sounds helps differentiate words in languages with such phonetic nuances.

Illustration for Pronunciation Distinction
In some languages, 'palatal' sounds can change the word's meaning entirely.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Speech Anatomy

Understand the physical aspect of 'palatal' to grasp how it influences pronunciation.

Illustration for Speech Anatomy
To make a palatal sound, press your tongue against your palate.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Pronunciation Distinction

Distinguishing 'palatal' sounds helps differentiate words in languages with such phonetic nuances.

Illustration for Pronunciation Distinction
In some languages, 'palatal' sounds can change the word's meaning entirely.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Speech Anatomy

Understand the physical aspect of 'palatal' to grasp how it influences pronunciation.

Illustration for Speech Anatomy
To make a palatal sound, press your tongue against your palate.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Pronunciation Distinction

Distinguishing 'palatal' sounds helps differentiate words in languages with such phonetic nuances.

Illustration for Pronunciation Distinction
In some languages, 'palatal' sounds can change the word's meaning entirely.
Visual representation of the word "Palatal"

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