villiform

[ vil-uh-fawrm ]

adjective

1. having the form of a villus.
2. shaped and set so as to resemble the pile of velvet, as the teeth of certain fishes.

villiform

/ ˈvɪlɪˌfɔːm /

adjective

1. having the form of a villus or a series of villi

Word History and Origins

Origin of villiform¹

From the New Latin word villiformis, dating back to 1840–50. See villus, -i-, -form

Word History and Origins

Origin of villiform¹

C19: from New Latin villiformis, from Latin villus shaggy hair + -form

Example Sentences

In spite of their name, the small fishes called Cyprinodonts are in no way related to the Cyprinids, or carp family, but are near allies of the pike, characterized by a flat head with protractile mouth beset with cardiform, villiform, or compressed, bi- or tri-cuspid teeth, generally large scales, and the absence of a well-developed lateral line.

From Project Gutenberg

The teeth are disposed on the jaws in rather broad villiform bands, the individual teeth being setaceous and erect.

From Project Gutenberg

On the lower jaw the villiform teeth in front are more uniformly small, and there is an acute row of subulate teeth, which are tallest in the middle of the limbs of the jaw, beyond which, towards the corners of the mouth, there is an even row of very small teeth.

From Project Gutenberg