How Do You Spell PAPILLAE?

Pronunciation: [pˈapɪlˌiː] (IPA)

The word "papillae" refers to small projections on the surface of a tissue or organ. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /pəˈpɪleɪ/. The first syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, followed by a p sound. The second syllable is pronounced with an "ih" sound, followed by an "el" sound and an "ay" sound. The spelling of "papillae" corresponds to the word's pronunciation, with each letter representing a specific sound in the word's pronunciation.

PAPILLAE Meaning and Definition

  1. Papillae are small, nipple-like structures that can be found on various parts of an organism's body, particularly in animals and humans. These structures are characterized by their typically small size and rounded or conical shape, resembling a tiny finger or nipple protruding from a surface.

    In humans, papillae are commonly present on the tongue, where they are responsible for various sensory functions. These taste papillae are specialized structures that contain taste buds, allowing us to perceive different tastes such as sweet, sour, bitter, and salty.

    Beyond the tongue, papillae can also be found in other areas of the body. In mammals, they can be present in the mammary glands, helping facilitate the process of milk production and secretion.

    In some animals, such as insects, papillae play different roles. In butterflies and moths, for example, they are used to enhance the absorption of nutrients from plant sources. These papillae can be found in the proboscis, a long tubular mouthpart that serves as a straw for sucking nectar or other fluids.

    Overall, papillae are small, specialized structures that serve varied functions across different organisms. They contribute to sensory perception, aid in feeding processes, and can be found in various anatomical locations.

  2. The minute elevations found on the tongue, the palm, or surface of the fingers, &c., being the terminations of the nerves, producing the sense of taste and feeling.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for PAPILLAE

Etymology of PAPILLAE

The word "papillae" is derived from the Latin word "papilla", meaning "nipple" or "teat". In turn, "papilla" is derived from the diminutive form of "papula", which means "pimple" or "small swelling". The term "papillae" is used in biology to refer to small, nipple-shaped structures found in various parts of organisms, such as the tongue, skin, or digestive system. These structures may have different functions depending on their location, such as taste perception, friction enhancement, or nutrient absorption.

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