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