villus

noun vil·lus \ ˈvi-ləs \

Definition of villus

plural villi play \ˈvi-ˌlī, -(ˌ)lē\

: 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

See villus defined for kids

Origin and Etymology of villus

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1728

in the meaning defined above

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VILLUS Defined for Kids

villus

noun vil·lus \ ˈvi-ləs \

Definition of villus for Students

plural 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

noun vil·lus \ ˈvil-əs \

medical Definition of villus

plural villi play \-ˌī\

: 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