PALATE

(I-at. palatum.) In Anatomy, the roof of the mouth. That part which is formed by the lower portions of the superior maxillary and palatine bones is called the " hard palate; " that which is due to the extension of membranous and muscular substance unsupported by bone is termed the " soft palate." In Zoology, the mod'if i cations of the bony palate, and the " palatal ridges," and other in equal ties of the soft parts, are of use in the discrimination of the species of Mammal i a. Palate, in a flower, is the convex base of the lower lip of a personate corolla. [s. 887]