Anatomy
villus Audio
vil·lus [ vil-uhs ]
Etymology:
Latin villus = a tuft of hair
Hence any tuft-shaped structure, such as the intestinal villi.
Definitions related to villus:
  • A small, vermiform process that is found on certain membranes; function is determined by the specific membrane location.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • A tiny hair-like projection, often on the surface of mucous membranes. The plural is villi.
    NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • Villus, in anatomy any of the small, slender, vascular projections that increase the surface area of a membrane. Important villous membranes include the placenta and the mucous-membrane coating of the small intestine. The villi of the small intestine project into the intestinal cavity, greatly...
    Encyclopedia Britannica
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2025
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