papilla

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a small nipple-shaped projection of tissue, such as one on the tongue or at the base of a hair, tooth, or feather

   Each papilla on the tongue may contain structures involved in taste or touch.

2. 2
   noun

   a minute projecting structure on the surface of a plant organ

   A tiny papilla remained where the pistil had failed to develop fully.

Borrowed from Latin papilla, 'nipple or teat,' a diminutive related to papula, 'pimple.' Anatomists and botanists extended the shape word to small nipple-like projections on animal tissues and plant organs.

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