dermis

1 of 2

noun

der·​mis ˈdər-məs How to pronounce dermis (audio)
: the vascular, thick layer of the skin lying below the epidermis and above the superficial fascia that contains fibroblasts, macrophages, mast cells, B cells, and sensory nerve endings and has an extracellular matrix composed of proteoglycans and glycoproteins embedded with collagen and elastin fibers

called also corium, cutis

see hair illustration

-dermis

2 of 2

noun combining form

: layer of skin or tissue
endodermis

Examples of dermis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The patented Triple-Wave Technology has three settings: low frequency for the surface level, mid frequency for the dermis layer, and high frequency to reach the deep facial muscles. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 21 Dec. 2023 These kinds of gels help the microcurrent reach the skin, thus helping your products permeate the dermis and stimulate your muscles. Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 9 Jan. 2024 Scrubbing your face with a washcloth, like your mom did, is actually a Catch 22: The dirt disappears, but the nubby fabric scratches the upper dermis, opening the door for bacteria. Liana Schaffner, Allure, 21 Sep. 2023 Collagen is typically absorbed and distributed via the bloodstream, working its way to the dermis via other organs. Hannah Coates, Vogue, 12 Dec. 2023 For starters, using a massager on your scalp before or after oiling encourages the nutrients to penetrate deeper into your scalp’s dermis and hair follicles. Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 28 Oct. 2023 In the case of the face, collagen works alongside elastic to create a latticework in the dermis, a mesh of fibers that tones it, prevents skin laxity, and prevents expression lines from turning into permanent wrinkles. Alessandra Signorelli, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2023 Instead of injecting the solution into the dermis to fill in volume loss, your dermatologist would place droplet injections of SkinVive superficially (just on the outer layer of your skin, or your epidermis). Loren Savini, Allure, 13 Sep. 2023 In fact, Durango Hot Springs is the first and only hot spring in the world to infuse its water with tiny bubbles of pure oxygen that can penetrate the dermis of the skin to help with skin disorders and scarring. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dermis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

New Latin, from Late Latin -dermis

Noun combining form

Late Latin, from Greek, from derma

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dermis was circa 1830

Dictionary Entries Near dermis

Cite this Entry

“Dermis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dermis. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

dermis

noun
der·​mis ˈdər-məs How to pronounce dermis (audio)
: the sensitive inner layer of skin directly under the epidermis

Medical Definition

dermis

noun
der·​mis ˈdər-məs How to pronounce dermis (audio)
: the vascular, thick layer of the skin lying below the epidermis and above the superficial fascia that contains fibroblasts, macrophages, mast cells, B cells, and sensory nerve endings and has an extracellular matrix composed of proteoglycans and glycoproteins embedded with collagen and elastin fibers

called also corium, cutis, cutis vera, derma

More from Merriam-Webster on dermis

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