Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for villus

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


villus

/ vĭləs /

, Plural villi vĭlī

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


Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of villus1

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of villus1

C18: from Latin: shaggy hair
Discover More

Example Sentences

Villi: soft hairs or papillate processes: plural of villus, q.v.

Collectively, these structures are called the villi (singular villus).

Villus: a short, hair-like or papillate process on the surface of certain absorbent and sensory organs.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


villousVilma