palatal meaning and definition

PALATAL noun

Definition of palatal (noun)

1. a semivowel produced with the tongue near the palate (like the initial sound in the English word `yeast')

PALATAL adjective

Definition of palatal (adjective)

1. relating to or lying near the palate
   • "palatal index"; "the palatine tonsils"
   • synonyms: palatine
2. 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')
   • synonyms: palatalised, palatalized