chronic lingual papillitis [Gk, chronos + L, lingua, tongue, papilla, nipple; Gk, itis] , an inflammatory disorder of the tongue, sometimes extending to the buccal mucosa and palate. It is characterized by irregularly scattered red patches, thinning of the lingual papillae, severe burning pain, and shedding of epidermal tissue. The disorder affects middle-aged individuals, especially women, and occurs in attacks alternating with remissions that last weeks or months. Also called Moeller’s glossitis.
