Circumvallate

/ˌsɜːrkəmˈvæleɪt/ adjective

Definition

Having a ridge or raised border completely surrounding something, often used to describe taste buds on the tongue.

Etymology

From Latin circumvallatus, combining circum- (around) and vallatus (walled, from vallum meaning rampart). The term originally meant fortified with walls on all sides.

Kelly Says

Your tongue has circumvallate papillae—specialized taste buds arranged in a V-shape at the back that detect bitter flavors, and their wall-like structure is exactly what the Latin name describes.

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