Vĭl'li, n. pl.

nounplural

n. pl. [Plural of Lat. villus, shaggy hair, a tuft of hairs.]

  1. (Anat.) Minute papillary elevations on animal membranes, giving them a velvety appearance, and serving mainly for absorption, as in the small intestine of mammals, and on the chorion.
  2. (Bot.) Fine hairs on plants, like the pile of velvet.