Main Entry: epi·der·mis

Pronunciation: \ˌe-pə-ˈdər-məs\

Function: noun

Etymology: Late Latin, from Greek, from epi- + derma skin — more at derm-

Date: 1626

1 a : the outer epithelial layer of the external integument of the animal body that is derived from the embryonic epiblast; specifically : the outer nonsensitive and nonvascular layer of the skin of a vertebrate that overlies the dermis b : any of various animal integuments
2 : a thin surface layer of tissue in higher plants formed by growth of a primary meristem