To save this word, you'll need to log in.
vil·lus | \ ˈvi-ləs 
\
\ plural villi\ ˈvi-ˌlī , -(ˌ)lē \
, -(ˌ)lē \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
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for villus
villus
nounvil·lus | \ ˈvi-ləs \
\ plural villi\ ˈvi-ˌlī , -lē \
Kids Definition of villus
: one of the tiny extensions shaped like fingers that line the small intestine and are active in absorbing nutrients
villus
nounvil·lus | \ ˈvil-əs \
\ plural villi\ -ˌī \
\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
Comments on villus
What made you want to look up villus? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Name that Thing: Flower Edition
- Name that flower
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Share villus
Time Traveler for villus
The first known use of villus was in 1728
See more words from the same year