1 villi | Definition of villi

villus

noun
vil·​lus | \ ˈvi-lÉ™s How to pronounce villus (audio) \
plural villi\ ˈvi-​ËŒlÄ« How to pronounce villi (audio) , -​(ËŒ)lÄ“ \

Definition of villus

: a small slender often vascular process: such as
a : one of the minute finger-shaped processes of the mucous membrane of the small intestine that serve in the absorption of nutriment
b : one of the branching processes of the surface of the chorion of the developing embryo of most mammals that help to form the placenta

First Known Use of villus

1728, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for villus

New Latin, from Latin, tuft of shaggy hair — more at velvet

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More Definitions for villus

villus

noun
vil·​lus | \ ˈvi-lÉ™s How to pronounce villus (audio) \
plural villi\ ˈvi-​ËŒlÄ« , -​lÄ“ \

Kids Definition of villus

: one of the tiny extensions shaped like fingers that line the small intestine and are active in absorbing nutrients

villus

noun
vil·​lus | \ ˈvil-É™s How to pronounce villus (audio) \
plural villi\ -​ˌī How to pronounce villi (audio) \

Medical Definition of villus

: a small slender vascular process: as
a : one of the minute fingerlike processes which more or less thickly cover and give a velvety appearance to the surface of the mucous membrane of the small intestine and serve in the absorption of nutriment and of which each has a central blindly ending lacteal surrounded by blood capillaries and covered with epithelium
b : one of the branching processes of the surface of the chorion of the developing embryo of most mammals that are restricted to particular areas or diffusely arranged and over parts of the surface become vascular and help to form the placenta

More from Merriam-Webster on villus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about villus