Villi: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŒฑ
Add to dictionary

villi

 

[ หˆvษชlaษช ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

biological structure

Villi are tiny, finger-like projections found in various tissues of the body, most notably in the small intestine. They serve to increase the surface area for absorption of nutrients and play a crucial role in digestion. Additionally, villi are present in other organs, such as the placenta, where they assist in nutrient transfer between mother and fetus. The presence of villi enhances the efficiency of nutrient uptake significantly.

Synonyms

appendage, outgrowth, projection

Examples of usage

  • The villi in the small intestine absorb vitamins and minerals.
  • Damage to the villi can lead to malabsorption issues.
  • Research shows that villi increase the digestion of carbohydrates.

Translations

Translations of the word "villi" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น vilosidades

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคตเคฟเคฒเฅเคฒเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Zotten

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ vili

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒะธะปะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ kosmki

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็ตจๆฏ›

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท villositรฉs

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ vellosidades

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท villus

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์œต๋ชจ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฒุบุงุจุงุช

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ klky

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ klky

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ป’ๆฏ›

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ villi

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ villi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถั–าฃั–ัˆะบะต

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒ˜แƒšแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ villus

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ vellosidades

Word origin

The term 'villi' originates from the Latin word 'villus', which means 'shaggy hair' or 'tuft of hair'. This name was likely chosen due to the resemblance of these projections to small hairs or fibers. The plural form, 'villi', is commonly used in biological terminology to refer to the multiple projections found in organs that absorb substances. Villi have been studied extensively since the 19th century as scientists began to understand their role in the digestive system. With advancements in microscopy, the intricate structure of villi became more apparent, leading to further discoveries about their functions and importance in health and disease. The study of villi extends beyond just the digestive system, as they are integral to the functioning of other systems, such as the reproductive system in the form of placental villi, emphasizing their significance across different biological contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,789, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.