Main Entry: squa·mous

Pronunciation: \ˈskwā-məs also ˈskwä-\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin squamosus, from squama scale

Date: 15th century

1 a : covered with or consisting of scales : scaly b : of, relating to, or being a stratified epithelium that consists at least in its outer layers of small scalelike cells
2 : of, relating to, or being the anterior upper portion of the temporal bone of most mammals including humans