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palate

1. (Science: anatomy) The roof of the mouth.

The fixed portion, or palate proper, supported by the maxillary and palatine bones, is called the hard palate to distinguish it from the membranous and muscular curtain which separates the cavity of the mouth from the pharynx and is called the soft palate, or velum.

2. Relish; taste; liking; a sense originating in the mistaken notion that the palate is the organ of taste. Hard task! to hit the palate of such guests. (pope)

3. Mental relish; intellectual taste.

4. (Science: botany) A projection in the throat of such flowers as the snapdragon.

Origin: L. Palatum: cf. F. Palais, Of. Also palat.