velar Definition

velar
adj

1. Referring to or attached to the velum.
2. phonetics.
Said of a sound: produced by the back of the tongue brought close to, or in contact with, the soft palate.

noun

1. phonetics.
A sound produced in this way, such as and.

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velum
noun vela, velums

1. An integument or membrane.
2. anatomy.
The soft palate.
3. The membrane joining the rim of a young toadstool with the stalk.

Derivative: velar

See separate entry.

Etymology: 18c: Latin, meaning ‘veil' or ‘sail'.