Gaumensegel

soft palate, velum

noun GAU-men-zay-gel Rare

Usage Note

Gaumensegel is the soft, movable extension at the back of the palate that closes off the nasal passage during swallowing. Its Uvula (little tongue) hangs from it; the term comes up in discussions of snoring and sleep apnoea.

Examples

"Ein schlaffes Gaumensegel kann Schnarchen begünstigen."

Natural Translation

A lax soft palate can promote snoring.

Literal Translation

A slack soft-palate can snoring promote.

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