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View synonyms for villus
villus
[ vil-uhs ]
noun
, plural vil·li [vil, -ahy].
- 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.
villus
/ ˈvɪləs /
noun
- 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
villus
/ vĭl′əs /
, Plural villi vĭl′ī
- A small projection on the surface of a mucous membrane, such as that of the small intestine.
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Word History and Origins
Origin of villus1
1695–1705; < Latin: shaggy hair, thick nap
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Word History and Origins
Origin of villus1
C18: from Latin: shaggy hair
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Example Sentences
Villi: soft hairs or papillate processes: plural of villus, q.v.
From Project Gutenberg
Collectively, these structures are called the villi (singular villus).
From Project Gutenberg
Villus: a short, hair-like or papillate process on the surface of certain absorbent and sensory organs.
From Project Gutenberg
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