villus

[ vil-uhs ]

noun

, plural vil·li [vil, -ahy].

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

/ vĭl′əs /

, Plural villi vĭl′ī

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

Example Sentences

CVS or chorionic villus sampling, is offered at 10 to 13 weeks gestation.

From Seattle Times

In addition to amniocentesis, which removes and tests a small sample of cells from amniotic fluid, these also include CVS, or chorionic villus sampling, which tests a small piece of tissue from the placenta.

From Seattle Times

This restriction stems from the fact that the analysis currently necessitates either chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis, both procedures associated with discomfort and a slight risk of miscarriage.

From Science Daily

The same would be true of women who have prenatal testing of fetuses with amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling, known as C.V.S.

From New York Times

Zernicka-Goetz writes compellingly about her own experiences of a pregnancy in which the fetus was diagnosed through chorionic villus sampling with a risk of severe chromosomal abnormality.

From Nature

Related Words

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