1. relating to or resembling a papilla or small nipple-like projection
Usage: medical; anatomical
2. having small rounded projections on the surface
Usage: botanical; biological

Examples

• The papillary muscles in the heart help control blood flow.
• Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type of thyroid cancer.
• The tongue’s papillary surface contains taste buds.
• The doctor examined the papillary layer of the skin.
• Papillary projections increase the surface area for absorption.
• The leaf showed papillary structures under the microscope.