Definition

Noun: A cleft palate is a congenital condition characterized by a split or opening in the roof of the mouth (the hard palate). This opening occurs because the two sides of the palate do not fuse together completely during early fetal development.

Usage

The term is used in medical and general contexts to describe this specific birth defect. It is often discussed in relation to its causes, surgical correction, and associated challenges like feeding or speech difficulties. * The newborn was diagnosed with a cleft palate. * Surgery to repair a cleft palate is typically performed when the child is between 6 and 18 months old. * Speech therapy is often necessary for children born with a cleft palate.

Advanced Usage

• Cleft lip and palate: This phrase is commonly used when the condition involves both a split in the lip (cleft lip) and the roof of the mouth (cleft palate). They are related but distinct congenital conditions that can occur separately or together.
  • The charity provides support for families affected by cleft lip and palate.

Variants and Related Words

• Palate (noun): The roof of the mouth, which separates the oral and nasal cavities.
• Cleft (noun/adjective): A split or division; divided.
• Congenital (adjective): A condition present from birth.

Synonyms

• Palatoschisis (the technical medical term).

Notes on Meaning

• Cleft palate refers specifically to the opening in the hard palate. It is not a verb or an action.
• It is a countable noun (e.g., a cleft palate, cleft palates).

Noun

1. a congenital fissure of the hard palate