palate

Definition

The roof of the mouth, separating the cavities of the mouth and nose in vertebrates.

Etymology

From Middle English palate, from Latin palātum (“roof of the mouth, palate”), perhaps of Etruscan origin.

Example Sentences

• "I remember, when he was in Scotland, his praising ‘Gordon's palates’ (a dish of palates at the Honourable Alexander Gordon's) with a warmth of expression which might have done for honour to more important subjects."
• "Hard task! to hit the palate of such guests."
• "entertain the palates of Nobles"

Related Words