papilla noun. [pǝ'pɪlǝ] Pl. -llae [-lli:]. L17.
[Latin = nipple, dim. of papula PAPULE.]
1. Anatomy & Zoology.
a. A nipple, a mamilla. rare. L17.
b. A minute, usu. soft and fleshy, nipple-like protuberance on a part or organ of the body, as at the base of a hair or feather, on the tongue bearing the taste buds, in the embryo giving rise to the teeth, etc. E18.
optic papilla, renal papilla, vallate papilla, Vater's papilla, etc.
c. Medicine. A small swelling or lump. L18.

2. Botany. A small conical projection, esp. one formed by an epidermal cell. M19.

■ papi'llectomy noun (an instance of) surgical removal of a papilla or papillae E20.

■ papi'lliferous adjective bearing papillae E19.

■ papilliform adjective of the form of a papilla; shaped like a nipple: E19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲