epidermis
nounUK /ˌɛp.ɪˈdɜː.mɪs/ · CA, US /ˌɛp.əˈdɝ.mɪs/
Etymology Borrowed from Latin epidermis, from Ancient Greek ἐπιδερμίς (epidermís), ἐπί (epí, “on top of”) + δέρμα (dérma, “skin”). Equivalent to epi- + dermis.
1
The outer, protective layer of the skin of vertebrates.
2
The similar outer layer of cells in invertebrates and plants.
- Derived terms
- epidermal, epidermic, epidermoid, epidermology, neoepidermis, subepidermis
- Related terms
- epithelium