definitions

cleft palate

noun

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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Nearby words

cleethorpes, clef, cleft, cleft hand, cleft lip, cleft palate, cleft sentence, cleft spine, cleft tongue, cleg, clegg

Origin of cleft palate

First recorded in 1840–50
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for cleft palate

cleft palate

noun

a congenital crack or fissure in the midline of the hard palate, often associated with a harelip
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for cleft palate

cleft palate

n.

A congenital fissure in the roof of the mouth, resulting from incomplete fusion of the palate during embryonic development. It may involve only the uvula or extend through the entire palate.palatoschisis
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Science definitions for cleft palate

cleft palate

Incomplete closure of the palate during development of an embryo, resulting in a split along part or all of the roof of the mouth.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.