circumvallate
1 of 2verb
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 2adjective
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