dermis

1 of 2

noun

der·​mis ˈdər-məs 

: 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

Located primarily in the dermis (aka the second layer of skin), collagen gives our skin its strength and smoothness, facilitates wound healing, and helps to retain moisture. —Hannah Coates, Vogue, 5 Aug. 2025

This leads to a larger Poisson’s ratio, indicating actual volume loss, or that fluid has been squeezed out of the skin matrix, the scaffolding in the dermis that includes collagen fibers. —New Atlas, 24 July 2025

Wrinkles in older skin were straighter, possibly due to structural changes like flattening of the junction between the dermis and the epidermis and collagen loss. —New Atlas, 24 July 2025

Look for one with ingredients called humectants that attract and retain water from deeper layers of epidermis and dermis, keeping the outermost layer plump and strong. —Matt Fuchs, TIME, 6 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for dermis

• dermis
• thermos
• vermis
• endodermis
• epidermis
• hypodermis

Kids Definition

dermis

noun

der·​mis ˈdər-məs 

: the sensitive inner layer of skin directly under the epidermis

Medical Definition

dermis

noun

der·​mis ˈdər-məs 

: 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