palates

Noun

palate (plural palates)

1. A part associated with the mouth of certain invertebrates, somewhat analogous to the palate of vertebrates.

   Synonyms:

   uraniscus

2. (rare) The hypopharynx of an insect.

   Synonyms:

   uraniscus

3. A projection in the throat of certain bilabiate flowers as the snapdragon.

   Synonyms:

   uraniscus

4. (historical) The palate of an animal, as an item of food.
   • I remember, when he was in Scotland, his praising ‘Gordon's palates’ (a dish of palates at the Honourable Alexander Gordon's) with a warmth of expression which might have done for honour to more important subjects.1791, James Boswell, Life of Samuel Johnson, Oxford, page 332

   Synonyms:

   uraniscus

5. (figuratively) A person's ability to distinguish between and appreciate different flavors.
   • Hard task! to hit the palate of such guests.1733–1737, Alexander Pope, [Imitations of Horace], London: […] R[obert] Dodsley [et al.]
6. (figuratively) Mental relish; a liking or affinity for something.
   • entertain the palates of Nobles1656, Thomas Baker, he Wicked Mans Plot Defeated

See all 9 meanings of palate