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.

Origin of cleft palate

First recorded in 1840–50

Words nearby cleft palate

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

Medical 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

Scientific 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.