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Villus

Origin: L, shaggy hair, a tuft of hair.

1. (Science: anatomy) One of the minute papillary processes on certain vascular membranes; a villosity; as, villi cover the lining of the small intestines of many animals and serve to increase the absorbing surface.

2. (Science: botany) fine hairs on plants, resembling the pile of velvet.

3. The villi work in partnership with the small intestine to dispach nutrients to the bloodstream of the animal and humans.