palate

/ˈpælət/
noun
  1. The roof of the mouth, separating the mouth from the nasal cavity.
    • The hot pizza burned the roof of his palate.
    • A cleft palate is a birth defect that affects the roof of the mouth.
    • The dentist examined her palate for any signs of infection.
  2. A person's sense of taste, especially for food and drink.
    • His palate is not very adventurous; he prefers simple, familiar foods.
    • She has a sophisticated palate and can identify every spice in the dish.
    • The wine tasting class helped develop my palate for red wines.
  3. A person's ability to appreciate or judge something, especially in the arts or aesthetics.
    • Her musical palate ranges from classical to hip-hop.
    • Reading widely helps expand your literary palate.
    • The museum curator has a refined palate for modern sculpture.