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 Thesaurus
    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., 2020
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This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.