cleft palate

American  

noun

cleft palates plural

1. a congenital defect of the palate in which a longitudinal fissure exists in the roof of the mouth, often associated with a cleft lip.

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cleft palate British  

noun

1. a congenital crack or fissure in the midline of the hard palate, often associated with a harelip

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cleft palate Scientific  

1. Incomplete closure of the palate during development of an embryo, resulting in a split along part or all of the roof of the mouth.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• cleft palates
  plural

Etymology

Origin of cleft palate

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

Reported problems include spina bifida, cleft palate, and a range of intellectual, communication, behavior and memory disorders.

From Science Daily • Nov. 28, 2025

Schimberg, who became friends with Pearson during “Chained for Life,” also drew from his own experience with a cleft palate.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 23, 2024

“It certainly happened to me,” said Schimberg, who has a cleft palate.

From Salon • Sep. 21, 2024

That element of the law has been interpreted by some as meaning terminations could be carried out with no time limit, in cases of Down's syndrome, cleft palate or club foot.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2020

They told Mom and Dad I had a cleft palate and some other stuff going on.

From "Wonder" by R. J. Palacio