villus

[vil-uhs]

noun

plural

villi 

1. Anatomy, Zoology.,  one of the minute, wormlike processes on certain membranes, especially on the mucous membrane of the small intestine, where they serve in absorbing nutriment.

2. Botany.,  one of the long, soft, straight hairs covering the fruit, flowers, and other parts of certain plants.

villus

/ ˈvɪləs /

noun

1. zoology anatomy any of the numerous finger-like projections of the mucous membrane lining the small intestine of many vertebrates

2. any similar membranous process, such as any of those in the mammalian placenta

3. botany any of various hairlike outgrowths, as from the stem of a moss

villus

plural

villi 

1. A small projection on the surface of a mucous membrane, such as that of the small intestine.

Word History and Origins

Origin of villus¹

1695–1705; < Latin: shaggy hair, thick nap

Word History and Origins

Origin of villus¹

C18: from Latin: shaggy hair

Related Words

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• strand 
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