What does papilla mean?
A papilla is a small, raised, nipple-like structure on the skin, a mucous membrane, or another biological surface. The term is especially familiar from descriptions of the tongue, whose papillae include taste-bearing structures as well as projections that help give the tongue its rough texture and assist with moving food. Papillae can also occur on the lining of the stomach and intestines, where they may contribute to secretion or absorption, and on the surfaces of plants and other organisms. In everyday language, the word is uncommon, but it is useful in anatomy and biology because it names a particular kind of projecting structure rather than a general bump or spot. The usual plural is papillae, reflecting the word's Latin origin.
nounA small, nipple-like projection on the surface of the skin or a mucous membrane. In anatomy, papillae are especially numerous on the tongue, where they contain taste buds or help the tongue manipulate food.
- Anatomy: a small, rounded or nipple-like projection on the skin or a mucous membrane, especially one of the structures on the tongue.
- Biology: a small finger-like or nipple-like projection on the surface of an organism or organ, sometimes serving a sensory or absorptive function.
"The tongue contains thousands of tiny papillae, each contributing to the texture and function of the organ."
"The filiform papillae on the tongue give it a rough texture and help direct food toward the back of the mouth."
"The botanist examined the small papillae covering the underside of the leaf."
The standard plural of papilla is papillae. In medical and biological writing, it is often used both for individual projections collectively and for the structures on the tongue.
"The circumvallate papillae are located near the back of the tongue."
The tongue's papillae are tiny structures with major jobs: some detect tastes, while others help grip and move food.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does papilla come from?
Papilla comes from Latin papilla, meaning 'nipple' or 'small projection,' and is probably related to papula, the Latin word for a pimple or swelling. English borrowed the term in the 17th century for anatomical projections. Its derivatives, including papillary and papilloma, preserve the same Latin root, while modern scientific usage distinguishes the papilla itself from the papule, a small raised skin lesion.
Related word forms
How papilla is actually used
The word is most common in anatomy and biology. Its plural is papillae, a learned Latinized form used in technical writing; in general contexts, papillae may also refer collectively to the projections on the tongue.
Easily confused with papilla
A papilla is a normal anatomical projection, whereas a papule is a small raised spot on the skin, often associated with a pimple or other skin condition.