villous
Adjective: - Covered with villi: In anatomy, "villous" describes a surface that is covered in villi, which are small, finger-like projections that line certain membranes (e.g., the small intestine) and increase surface area for absorption. - Having soft, shaggy hairs: In botany, "villous" refers to a plant surface that is covered with long, soft, unmatted hairs (trichomes), giving a woolly or fuzzy appearance.
Anatomy:
- The villous lining of the small intestine is essential for nutrient absorption. (The surface covered with villi helps take in nutrients from food.)
- The placenta has a villous structure that facilitates gas exchange between mother and fetus. (The finger-like projections aid in transferring oxygen and carbon dioxide.)
Botany:
- The leaves of this plant are villous, with soft hairs that protect them from herbivores. (The leaf surface is covered in fuzzy hairs.)
- A villous stem can help reduce water loss in dry environments. (The hairy stem slows evaporation.)
"Villous atrophy": a medical condition where the villi in the small intestine become damaged and flattened, often due to celiac disease.
- Celiac disease can cause villous atrophy, leading to malnutrition. (The villi shrink, impairing digestion.)
"Villous adenoma": a type of polyp in the colon that has a villous surface pattern and a higher risk of becoming cancerous.
- A villous adenoma was detected during the colonoscopy. (A polyp with finger-like projections was found.)
Villus (n, singular): a single finger-like projection.
- Each villus has a network of capillaries for nutrient transport. (One of the small projections in the intestine.)
Villi (n, plural): multiple villi.
- The intestinal villi increase the surface area for digestion. (The many projections aid absorption.)
Villosity (n): the state or quality of being villous.
- The villosity of the membrane enhances its function. (The hairy or finger-like nature of the surface.)
- Hairy: covered with hair (general term, but less specific than "villous").
- The villous leaf is similar to a hairy leaf, but the hairs are usually softer and longer.
- Fuzzy: covered with soft, fine hairs.
- A villous plant often feels fuzzy to the touch.
- Shaggy: having long, rough hair or fibers.
- The villous stem looks shaggy compared to smooth stems.
- No direct idioms: "Villous" is a specialized scientific term and does not appear in common idioms or phrasal verbs.
- None applicable: "Villous" is an adjective and does not form phrasal verbs.