First Known Use: 1713
Dictionary
papilla
noun pa·pil·la \pə-ˈpi-lə\
plural pa·pil·lae \-ˈpi-(ˌ)lē, -ˌlī\
Definition of PAPILLA
: a small projecting body part similar to a nipple in form: a : a vascular process of connective tissue extending into and nourishing the root of a hair, feather, or developing tooth — see hair illustration b : any of the vascular protuberances of the dermal layer of the skin extending into the epidermal layer and often containing tactile corpuscles c : any of the small protuberances on the upper surface of the tongue often containing taste buds
— pap·il·lary \ˈpa-pə-ˌler-ē, especially British pə-ˈpi-lə-rē\ adjective
— pa·pil·late \ˈpa-pə-ˌlāt, pə-ˈpi-lət\ adjective
— pa·pil·lose \ˈpa-pə-ˌlōs, pə-ˈpi-ˌlōs\ adjective
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Origin of PAPILLA
Latin, nipple, from diminutive of papula pimple; akin to Lithuanian papas nipple
Medical Dictionary
papilla
noun pa·pil·la \pə-ˈpil-ə\
plural pa·pil·lae \-ˈpil-(ˌ)ē, -ˌī\
Medical Definition of PAPILLA
: a small projecting body part similar to a nipple in form: as a : a vascular process of connective tissue extending into and nourishing the root of a hair, feather, or developing tooth b : any of the vascular protuberances of the dermal layer of the skin extending into the epidermal layer and often containing tactile corpuscles c : renal papilla d : any of the small protuberances on the upper surface of the tongue—see circumvallate papilla, filiform papilla, fungiform papilla, interdental papilla, optic papilla
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