Definitions

1. verb

to form or be covered in papillae, especially to have a rough or corrugated surface due to the presence of these small projections

“The skin on the back of her hands papillated after a few hours of gardening.”

2. verb

to have a small, nipple-like protuberance or papilla on something

“The rose petal papillated as it matured, giving off a strong fragrance.”

3. noun

a small, nipple-like protuberance or projection, especially on the surface of an organ or tissue, such as the skin or tongue

“The papillae on the cat’s tongue helped it to lap up milk more efficiently.”

4. noun

a small, rounded projection or protuberance on the surface of something, especially on a leaf or a petal

“The papillae on the leaf of the succulent plant helped it to conserve water more effectively.”