What does papillae mean?
Papillae are small projections found on the surfaces of organs and body parts. They are especially well known on the tongue, where different types occur in distinct regions and help the tongue process food and perceive taste. Although the word is most common in anatomy, biology, and medicine, papillae can also describe tiny surface structures elsewhere in the body, such as the skin. The singular is papilla, while the ending -ae follows the traditional Latin plural convention still common in scientific terminology. Understanding the word helps distinguish the tongue's small projections from the taste buds themselves, which are sensory structures associated with some papillae.
plural nounPapillae are small, projecting structures on the surface of an organ or body part, especially the numerous projections on the tongue that contain taste buds. The singular form is papilla.
- Small, nipple-shaped or finger-like projections on the surface of an organ, especially those of the tongue and skin.
- Any small anatomical projection, particularly one of the taste-bearing structures on the tongue.
"The tongue is covered with papillae, some of which are responsible for detecting different aspects of taste."
"The doctor examined the papillae at the back of the patient's tongue."
"Each mushroom-shaped papilla contains taste buds that help detect flavours."
Papillae is the traditional plural of papilla, especially in anatomical and biological terminology.
"The filiform papillae cover most of the tongue's surface."
Your tongue is carpeted with thousands of tiny papillae, making one of the body's most sensitive surfaces.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does papillae come from?
The word comes from Latin papilla, a diminutive of papula, meaning a swelling or pimple. Latin papilla was borrowed into English in the 17th century for a small nipple-like projection, especially on the tongue or skin. Related English forms include papillary, papillate, and papilloma, all reflecting the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How papillae is actually used
The term is primarily used in anatomy, biology, and medicine. In general anatomy, papillae usually refers to numerous small projections; in discussions of the tongue, the phrase commonly refers to the structures bearing or associated with taste buds.