English Explanatory Dictionary

pate

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The head, particularly the top or crown.
  2. Wit, cleverness, cognitive abilities.
noun
  1. Alternative spelling of pâté (finely-ground paste of meat, fish, etc.)
  2. The interior body, or non-rind portion of cheese, described by its texture, density, and color.
name
  1. An island of Kenya.
  2. A surname.

Pronunciation

/peɪt/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-pate.wav /ˈpæt.eɪ/ /pæˈteɪ/

Word forms

pate pates

Etymology

From Middle English pate, of uncertain origin. Perhaps a shortened form of Old French patene or Medieval Latin patena, both from Latin patina (“pan, dish”). Alternatively, perhaps akin to Old Frisian pote (“skull”).

Related words

capital pasta paste patty

Derived words

addle pate baldpate blockpate clodpate crackpot dunderpate featherpate pated rattlepate rattlepated shallowpate
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