adj.
Pronunciation: ' pa-l ə -t ə -b ə l
Function: adjective
Date: 1664
1 : agreeable to the palate or taste
2 : agreeable or acceptable to the mind
– pal · at · abil · i · ty \ ˌ pa-l ə -t ə - ' bi-l ə -t ē \ noun
– pal · at · able · ness noun
– pal · at · ably \ ' pa-l ə -t ə -bl ē \ adverb
synonyms PALATABLE , APPETIZING , SAVORY , TASTY , TOOTHSOME mean agreeable or pleasant especially to the sense of taste. PALATABLE often applies to something that is found to be merely agreeable <butterflies that birds find palatable >. APPETIZING suggests a whetting of the appetite and applies to aroma and appearance as well as taste < appetizing hors d'oeuvres>. SAVORY applies to both taste and aroma and suggests piquancy and often spiciness <dumplings with savory fillings>. TASTY implies a pronounced taste <a tart and tasty pie>. TOOTHSOME stresses the notion of agreeableness and sometimes implies tenderness or daintiness <an enticing array of toothsome desserts>.