pate
pate Lexical Profile
pate Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A rich, savory paste made from finely minced or mashed meat, fish, or vegetables (frequently spelled 'pâté' to distinguish it from the word for head).
"We started our dinner with a delicate chicken liver pate served on toasted brioche."
The human head, especially the crown or top of the head (often used to refer to a bald head).
"The older gentleman wiped the perspiration from his smooth, bald pate."
Word Nuance & Usage
In standard English spelling, 'pate' refers to the top of the head, while the savory meat spread is traditionally spelled with accents as 'pâté' (though frequently written as 'pate' in informal or unaccented text).
• Rhymes for pate
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The word for head (pate) dates back to Middle English (early 14th century), though its exact origin is unknown. The culinary word (pâté) is borrowed from French, originating from Old French 'paste' (pastry or paste).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.