villus

[ vil-uh s ]
/ ˈvɪl əs /

noun, plural vil·li [vil-ahy] /ˈvɪl aɪ/.

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.
Botany. one of the long, soft, straight hairs covering the fruit, flowers, and other parts of certain plants.

Origin of villus

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

Example sentences from the Web for villi

British Dictionary definitions for villi (1 of 2)

villi
/ (ˈvɪlaɪ) /

noun

the plural of villus

British Dictionary definitions for villi (2 of 2)

villus
/ (ˈvɪləs) /

noun plural villi (ˈvɪlaɪ) (usually plural)

zoology anatomy any of the numerous finger-like projections of the mucous membrane lining the small intestine of many vertebrates
any similar membranous process, such as any of those in the mammalian placenta
botany any of various hairlike outgrowths, as from the stem of a moss

Word Origin for villus

C18: from Latin: shaggy hair

Medical definitions for villi

villus
[ vĭləs ]

n. pl. vil•li (vĭlī)

A minute projection arising from a mucous membrane, especially one of the vascular projections of the small intestine.
Such a projection of the chorion that contributes to placental formation in mammals.

Scientific definitions for villi

villus
[ vĭləs ]

Plural villi (vĭlī)

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