circumvallate

1 of 2

verb

cir·​cum·​val·​late ˌsər-kəm-ˈva-ˌlāt 

circumvallated; circumvallating

transitive verb

: to surround by or as if by a rampart

circumvallation

ˌsər-kəm-ˌva-ˈlā-shən 

noun

circumvallate

2 of 2

adjective

cir·​cum·​val·​late ˌsər-kəm-ˈva-ˌlāt 

-ˈva-lət

: being any of approximately 12 large papillae near the back of the tongue each of which is surrounded with a marginal sulcus and supplied with taste buds responsive especially to bitter flavors

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Latin circumvallatus, past participle of circumvallare to surround with siege works, from circum- + vallum rampart — more at wall

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1798, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

circa 1852, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

circumvallate

adjective

cir·​cum·​val·​late ˌsər-kəm-ˈval-ˌāt, -ˈval-ət 

: enclosed by a ridge of tissue