papilla

noun
UK: /pəˈpɪlə/
US: /pəˈpɪlə/

  1. A small, rounded projection on a surface, often found on the tongue.

    1. The papilla on my tongue help me taste food.
    2. The doctor examined the papilla on the patient's tongue to check for any abnormalities.

  2. A small, nipple-shaped projection or elevation, such as those found in the skin or mucous membrane.

    1. The skin papilla are important for touch.
    2. The dermal papilla play a vital role in hair follicle development and growth.

Synonyms

projection protuberance elevation nipple
papilla intransitive-verb

  1. To form or develop into papillae.

    1. The tissue will papilla over time.
    2. Scientists observed the cells beginning to papilla during the experiment.
papilla transitive-verb

  1. To cover a surface with papillae.

    1. The inflammation caused the tissue to papilla.
    2. The virus can papilla the surface of the skin, leading to a rough texture.
papilla adjective

  1. Relating to or resembling a papilla.

    1. The papilla structure was easy to identify.
    2. The lesion showed papilla characteristics, indicating a particular type of growth.
papilla plural-noun

  1. Plural form of papilla

    1. The papillae are easy to see.
    2. The doctor noticed some swollen papillae during the throat examination.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "papilla" in English means: A small, rounded projection on a surface, often found on the tongue., A small, nipple-shaped projection or elevation, such as those found in the skin or mucous membrane..

The phonetic transcription of "papilla" is /pəˈpɪlə/ in British English and /pəˈpɪlə/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "papilla": projection, protuberance, elevation, nipple.

Example usage of "papilla": "The papilla on my tongue help me taste food.". More examples on the page.