circumvallate
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˌsɜːrkəmˈvæleɪt/
KK: /sɜrˈkʌmˌvæleɪt/
adjective
Definition
Describing something that is surrounded by a wall or raised structure, often used in anatomy to refer to certain features like papillae on the tongue.
Example
The circumvallate papillae are important for taste sensation at the back of the tongue.
Conversation
Did you know that there are circumvallate papillae on our tongues?
Really? I had no idea they even existed!
Yeah, they're those large ones at the back that help us taste bitterness.
That’s fascinating! I guess our taste buds are more complex than I thought.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
enclosed
surrounded
ringed
Antonyms
exposed
open
unprotected
transitive verb
Definition
To surround an area with a defensive wall or barrier.
Example
The ancient city was circumvallated to protect it from invaders.
Tense Forms
Past: circumvallated
Past Participle: circumvallated
Conversation
Did you hear about the new park they're going to circumvallate?
Yeah, I read that it’s going to have a lot of cool features.
I think it's a great idea to circumvallate it for safety.
Root Explanation
Circumvallate is formed from "circum-" (meaning around) and "vallare" (meaning to fortify or surround with a wall). The word describes something that is surrounded by a wall or fortification.
Memory Tip
Think of something being 'fortified' ('vallare') 'around' ('circum-') — that's why circumvallate means to be surrounded by a fortification.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.