First Known Use: circa 1798
Dictionary
1circumvallate
verb cir·cum·val·late \-ˈva-ˌlāt\
cir·cum·val·lat·edcir·cum·val·lat·ing
Definition of CIRCUMVALLATE
transitive verb
: to surround by or as if by a rampart
— cir·cum·val·la·tion \-ˌva-ˈlā-shən\ noun
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of CIRCUMVALLATE
Latin circumvallatus, past participle of circumvallare to surround with siege works, from circum- + vallum rampart — more at wall
2circumvallate
adjective cir·cum·val·late \-ˈva-ˌlāt, -ˈva-lət\
Definition of CIRCUMVALLATE
: being any of approximately 12 large papillae near the back of the tongue each of which is surrounded with a marginal sulcus and supplied with taste buds responsive especially to bitter flavors
First Known Use of CIRCUMVALLATE
circa 1852
Medical Dictionary
circumvallate
adjective cir·cum·val·late \ˌsər-kəm-ˈval-ˌāt, -ˈval-ət\
Medical Definition of CIRCUMVALLATE
: enclosed by a ridge of tissue
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: circumvenePrevious Word in the Dictionary: circumtropicalAll Words Near: circumvallate
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up circumvallate? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).