circumvallate

1 of 2

verb

circumvallated; circumvallating

transitive verb

: to surround by or as if by a rampart

circumvallate

2 of 2

adjective

: 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

Time Traveler
The first known use of circumvallate was circa 1798

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Circumvallate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circumvallate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

circumvallate

adjective
: enclosed by a ridge of tissue
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!