enterocyte

noun

en·​tero·​cyte ˈen-tə-rō-ˌsīt 

plural enterocytes

: any of numerous columnar, absorptive, epithelial cells that line the villi of the small intestine and have microvilli projecting from the cell membrane to form a brush border

At age 28 years she had a small-intestine biopsy; the findings were not consistent with celiac disease but rather revealed lipid-engorged enterocytes.

—Daniel J. Rader et al.

Examples of enterocyte in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Since the enterocytes in villi compose a single-cell outer layer, this nutrient extraction process is very efficient. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 6 Nov. 2024

Uniquely present in liver cells (hepatocytes) and absorptive cells in the intestinal lining (enterocytes), SOAT2 has been studied extensively in relation to its role in the development of atherosclerosis or plaque buildup in the arteries. —New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from French entérocyte, from entéro- entero- + -cyte -cyte

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

enterocyte

noun

en·​tero·​cyte ˈen-tə-rō-ˌsīt 

: any of numerous columnar, absorptive, epithelial cells that line the villi of the small intestine and have microvilli projecting from the cell membrane to form a brush border

The most abundant type of gut epithelial cell, the enterocyte, has many finger-like projections at its apical surface called microvilli, which are rich in digestive enzymes known as hydrolases.

—Aparna Lakkaraju et al.