chorionic villus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowTechnical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “chorionic villus” mean?
The tiny, finger‑like projections from the chorion (the outermost fetal membrane) that embed into the uterine wall and are involved in nutrient and gas exchange between mother and fetus.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The tiny, finger‑like projections from the chorion (the outermost fetal membrane) that embed into the uterine wall and are involved in nutrient and gas exchange between mother and fetus.
In medical diagnostics, the term refers specifically to a sample of these villi, taken via chorionic villus sampling (CVS), a prenatal test used to detect chromosomal abnormalities and genetic disorders.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling of related terms may follow regional conventions (e.g., 'foetal' vs. 'fetal'), but 'chorionic villus' itself is invariant.
Connotations
Identical technical, clinical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, confined to medical/biological contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “chorionic villus” in a Sentence
undergo chorionic villus samplingperform a chorionic villus biopsyanalyse the chorionic villus sampleVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chorionic villus” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The chorionic villus sample was sent for analysis.
- Chorionic villus development is a critical early stage.
American English
- The chorionic villus biopsy results returned normal.
- Chorionic villus morphology can indicate certain conditions.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in medical, biological, and genetics research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in obstetrics, prenatal diagnostics, and embryology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chorionic villus”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chorionic villus”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chorionic villus”
- Mispronouncing 'chorionic' with a hard /k/ or as 'chronic'.
- Using the singular 'villus' in general description instead of the more common plural 'villi'.
- Confusing CVS with amniocentesis (a different prenatal test).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. CVS takes a sample of placental tissue (chorionic villi), usually between 10-13 weeks of pregnancy. Amniocentesis takes a sample of amniotic fluid and is typically performed later (15-20 weeks).
CVS can detect chromosomal abnormalities (like Down syndrome), other genetic disorders (like cystic fibrosis or sickle cell disease), and certain metabolic disorders.
Strictly, 'chorionic villus' is singular, and 'chorionic villi' is plural. In practice, the plural form 'villi' is far more common when referring to the structures themselves.
Almost exclusively during discussions with an obstetrician or genetic counselor about prenatal testing options and results, or in patient information leaflets about such tests.
The tiny, finger‑like projections from the chorion (the outermost fetal membrane) that embed into the uterine wall and are involved in nutrient and gas exchange between mother and fetus.
Chorionic villus is usually technical/medical in register.
Chorionic villus: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɔːrɪˈɒnɪk ˈvɪləs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɔːriˈɑːnɪk ˈvɪləs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of CHORIOnic VILLUS: 'CHORIO' sounds like 'chorus' of tiny fingers, and 'VILLUS' resembles 'villa' – imagine tiny villas (projections) on the chorion's surface.
Conceptual Metaphor
The chorionic villus is the fetal root system, anchoring and nourishing the developing embryo.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of chorionic villi?