palatalize

[ pal-uh-tl-ahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, pal·a·tal·ized, pal·a·tal·iz·ing.

1. to articulate (a consonant other than a normal palatal) as a palatal or with relatively more contact between the blade of the tongue and the hard palate, as in certain pronunciations of the l- sound in million.

verb (used without object)

, pal·a·tal·ized, pal·a·tal·iz·ing.

1. (of a consonant) to undergo palatalization.

palatalize

/ ˈpælətəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. tr to pronounce (a speech sound) with the blade of the tongue touching the palate

Derived Forms

• ˌpalataliˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• pala·tal·i·zation noun
• nonpal·a·tal·i·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of palatalize¹

First recorded in 1865–70; palatal + -ize