microvillus

American  

[mahy-kroh-vil-uhs] / ˌmaɪ kroʊˈvɪl əs /

noun

Cell Biology.

• microvilli
  plural

1. any of the small, fingerlike projections of the surface of an epithelial cell.

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microvillus British  

/ ˌmaɪkrəʊˈvɪləs /

noun

1. physiol a thin protuberance present in great abundance at the surface of some epithelial cells, notably in the gut, thus increasing the surface area available for absorption

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• microvillar
  adjective
• microvillous
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• microvilli
  plural

Etymology

Origin of microvillus

First recorded in 1950–55; micro- + villus

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

microvillus microvilli

Although their small size makes it difficult to see each microvillus, their combined microscopic appearance suggests a mass of bristles, which is termed the brush border.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013

Five days later, however, they could see “baby cells” budding, some of them with the distinctive hair, or microvillus, on top.

From Scientific American ● Feb. 15, 2013

These microvilli harbor a specific enzyme that the researches could show to be responsible for the formation of chitin, the material from which the bristles are ultimately made.

From Science Daily ● May 13, 2024

The individual microvilli have a similar function to the nozzles of a 3D printer.

From Science Daily ● May 13, 2024

The researchers' results show a dynamic cell surface characterized by geometrically arranged microvilli.

From Science Daily ● May 13, 2024

Villi and microvilli increase the surface area of the small intestine, which increases the absorption of nutrients by diffusion.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

The villi and microvilli, with their many folds, increase the surface area of the small intestine and increase absorption efficiency of the nutrients.

From Textbooks ● Apr. 25, 2013