EPIDERMIS

epidermis, cuticle

(noun) the outer layer of the skin covering the exterior body surface of vertebrates

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

epidermis (plural epidermides or epidermises)

The outer, protective layer of the skin of vertebrates, covering the dermis

The similar outer layer of cells in invertebrates and plants

Synonyms

• cuticle

Source: Wiktionary


Ep`i*der"mis, n. Etym: [L., fr. Gr. Tear, v. t.]

1. (Anat.)

Definition: The outer, nonsensitive layer of the skin; cuticle; scarfskin. See Dermis.

2. (Bot.)

Definition: The outermost layer of the cells, which covers both surfaces of leaves, and also the surface of stems, when they are first formed. As stems grow old this layer is lost, and never replaced.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

2 April 2025

COVERT

(adjective) secret or hidden; not openly practiced or engaged in or shown or avowed; “covert actions by the CIA”; “covert funding for the rebels”


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Coffee Trivia

Decaffeinated coffee comes from a chemical process that takes out caffeine from the beans. Pharmaceutical and soda companies buy the extracted caffeine.

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