Definition of villus
villi
play \ˈvi-ˌlī, -(ˌ)lē\: a small slender often vascular process: such asa : one of the minute finger-shaped processes of the mucous membrane of the small intestine that serve in the absorption of nutrimentb : one of the branching processes of the surface of the chorion of the developing embryo of most mammals that help to form the placenta
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Origin and Etymology of villus
New Latin, from Latin, tuft of shaggy hair — more at velvet
First Known Use: 1728
VILLUS Defined for Kids
villus
playDefinition of villus for Students
villi
\ˈvi-ˌlī, -lē\: one of the tiny extensions shaped like fingers that line the small intestine and are active in absorbing nutrients
Medical Dictionary
villus
playMedical Definition of villus
villi
\-ˌī\play: a small slender vascular process: asa: 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 epitheliumb: 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
Illustration of villus
Learn More about villus
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about villus
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