cleft palate

noun

1. a congenital defect of the palate in which a longitudinal fissure exists in the roof of the mouth, often associated with a cleft lip.

cleft palate

noun

1. a congenital crack or fissure in the midline of the hard palate, often associated with a harelip

cleft palate

1. Incomplete closure of the palate during development of an embryo, resulting in a split along part or all of the roof of the mouth.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cleft palate¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

Common illustrations of such deforming developmental accidents are harelip, cleft palate, and club foot.

From Project Gutenberg

Should this failure to unite be in the deeper structures of the head, then cleft palate is the result.

From Project Gutenberg

The operation for cleft palate is usually successful when performed at the proper time and by competent hands.

From Project Gutenberg

A keeper of the Zoological Gardens in Philadelphia observed cleft palate in the mouths of lion cubs born in the gardens.

From Project Gutenberg

In a case cited elsewhere, three members of one family had cleft palate; one 17 years old, the other 30, and the third 35.

From Project Gutenberg