microvillus

American  

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

noun

Cell Biology.

plural

microvilli

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

• microvillar adjective
• microvillous adjective

Etymology

Origin of microvillus

First recorded in 1950–55; micro- + villus

Example Sentences

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