palatal

(noun) a semivowel produced with the tongue near the palate (like the initial sound in the English word `yeast').

(adj) relating to or lying near the palate. Synonyms: palatine. Examples: "Palatal index." "The palatine tonsils."

(adj) 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'). Synonyms: palatalized, palatalised.