noun a palatal consonant, which is produced by raising the back of the tongue against the hard palate
adjective relating to the palate, or the roof of the mouth
In music, 'palatal' can refer to the use of the palate to modify the sound of a vocal or instrumental performance.
In linguistics, 'palatal' refers to sounds produced with the tongue against or near the hard palate. For example, the 'sh' sound in 'she' is a palatal sound.
In anatomy, 'palatal' relates to the palate, which is the roof of the mouth. The palatal rugae are the ridges on the roof of the mouth.
In dentistry, 'palatal' can refer to procedures or devices involving the palate, such as palatal expanders used to widen the upper jaw.
In culinary arts, 'palatal' can describe flavors that are detected by the palate, such as sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami.
In linguistics, a writer may use the term 'palatal' when discussing sounds produced with the tongue against the hard palate.
A speech therapist may use 'palatal' when working with clients on correct tongue placement for producing certain sounds.
A dentist may refer to the palatal surface of the upper teeth when discussing dental anatomy and treatments.