Villi Meaning and Definition
Villi
Pronunciation
/ˈvɪli/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A fingerlike projection on the villi of the small intestine, responsible for increasing the surface area for absorption of nutrients.
Examples
- The villi in the small intestine play a crucial role in nutrient absorption.
- Villi are responsible for increasing the surface area for absorption of nutrients in the small intestine.
Synonyms
- Fingerlike projection
- Microvillus
Etymology
The word “Villi” comes from the Latin word “villus”, meaning “hairy” or “fine hair.”
Usage Notes
The term “Villi” is typically used in medical or scientific contexts to describe the structure and function of the small intestine.
Cultural References
Villi have been mentioned in several scientific publications and medical texts, but do not have a significant presence in popular culture.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Related Words or Phrases
- Microvillus
- Intestine
- Nutrient absorption
Collocations
- Villi in the small intestine
- Nutrient absorption villi
Frequency of Use
Villi is a relatively uncommon term in everyday language, but it is frequently used in medical and scientific contexts.
Common Misspellings