villus
/ˈvɪləs/
noun
- One of the tiny, finger-like projections on the inner surface of the small intestine that help absorb nutrients from food.
- Damage to a villus can make it harder for the body to get enough nutrients from food.
- Under a microscope, a single villus looks like a tiny, fuzzy finger lining the intestine.
- Each villus in the small intestine increases the surface area for absorbing vitamins and minerals.