Meaning & use
Circumvallate
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Surrounded by or as if by a rampart or wall; in anatomy, describing the large papillae arranged in a V-shape at the back of the tongue.
See it in a sentence
Ancient armies would circumvallate a besieged city with trenches and earthworks.
The circumvallate papillae on the tongue contain many of the taste buds responsible for detecting bitterness.
A note on using this word
Also used as a verb meaning to surround with a rampart, a technique common in siege warfare.
Words with a similar meaning
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Another way to use it
2. verb
To surround a place with a rampart or fortification, especially during a siege.
The besieging army worked through the night to circumvallate the fortress.
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