any of the numerous finger-like projections of the mucous membrane lining the small intestine of many vertebrates
2.
any similar membranous process, such as any of those in the mammalian placenta
3. botany
any of various hairlike outgrowths, as from the stem of a moss
Word origin
C18: from Latin: shaggy hair
villus in American English
(ˈvɪləs)
nounWord forms: pluralˈvilˌli (ˈvɪlˌaɪ)
1. Anatomy
any of numerous hairlike or fingerlike vascular processes on certain mucous membranes of the body, as of the small intestine, servingto secrete mucus, absorb fats, etc., or of the chorion in the mammalian placenta, serving in the exchange of food materials, etc. betweenthe mother and the fetus
2. Botany
any of the long, soft, fine hairs on certain plants, as mosses
Word origin
L, shaggy hair, tuft of hair, var. of vellus, a fleece, wool