Main Entry: pa·pil·la

Pronunciation: \pə-ˈpi-lə\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural pa·pil·lae \-ˈpi-(ˌ)lē, -ˌlī\

Etymology: Latin, nipple, from diminutive of papula pimple; akin to Lithuanian papas nipple

Date: 1713

: a small projecting body part similar to a nipple in form: a : a vascular process of connective tissue extending into and nourishing the root of a hair, feather, or developing tooth — see hair illustration b : any of the vascular protuberances of the dermal layer of the skin extending into the epidermal layer and often containing tactile corpuscles c : any of the small protuberances on the upper surface of the tongue often containing taste buds

— pap·il·lary \ˈpa-pə-ˌler-ē, especially British pə-ˈpi-lə-rē\ adjective

— pa·pil·late \ˈpa-pə-ˌlāt, pə-ˈpi-lət\ adjective

— pa·pil·lose \ˈpa-pə-ˌlōs, pə-ˈpi-ˌlōs\ adjective