adjective
palatine
PAL-uh-tyne/ˈpælətaɪn/
Relating to the roof of the mouth.
The dentist examines the palatine tissue.
Etymology
French palatin brought the anatomical sense from Latin palatum; the word for royal privileges has a separate history.
More examples
- The surgeon checks the palatine muscles.
- The scan reveals an injury to the palatine bone.
Forms
palatine
Similar words
- palatal
- More commonly used for the palate, including speech sounds.
- oral
- Relates to the entire mouth, not specifically its roof.