The word "villous" describes something that has tiny, finger-like projections or folds on its surface, similar to the texture of the inside of our intestines. Full definition
Those samples are then examined for signs of villous atrophy, or intestinal damage caused by your immune system's response to gluten ingestion. (verywellhealth.com)
Their small bowel biopsies show no evidence of villous blunting and, in the majority of cases, the biopsies are normal. (thepatientceliac.com)
Over time, these immune reactions by way of the antibodies can cause major wear and tear affecting the tiny microscopic finger like projections in the small bowel (particularly the duodenum, the first part of the small bowel) in a process called villous atrophy. (ericbakker.com)