Definitions of palatal:

  • noun:   a semivowel produced with the tongue near the palate (like the initial sound in the English word `yeast')
  • adjective:   relating to or lying near the palate
    Example: "Palatal index"
  • adjective:   produced with the front of the tongue near or touching the hard palate (as `y') or with the blade of the tongue near the hard palate (as `ch' in `chin' or `j' in `gin')