microvilli

noun, plural mi·cro·vil·li [mahy-kroh-vil-ahy] /ˌmaɪ kroʊˈvɪl aɪ/. Cell Biology.

1. any of the small, fingerlike projections of the surface of an epithelial cell.

noun plural -li (-laɪ)

1. physiol a thin protuberance present in great abundance at the surface of some epithelial cells, notably in the gut, thus increasing the surface area available for absorption

n. pl. mi•cro•vil•li (-vĭl′ī′)

1. Any of the minute hairlike structures projecting from the surface of certain types of epithelial cells, especially those of the small intestine.