ectoderm

noun ec·to·derm \ ˈek-tə-ˌdərm \

|Updated on: 10 Jun 2018

Definition of ectoderm

1 a : the outermost of the three primary germ layers of an embryo that is the source of various tissues and structures (such as the epidermis, the nervous system, and the eyes and ears)

b : a tissue (such as neural tissue) derived from this germ layer

2 : the outer layer of cells of a diploblastic animal (such as a jellyfish or a hydra)

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ectodermal

play \ˌek-tə-ˈdər-məl\ adjective

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Recent Examples of ectoderm from the Web

There are a number of genetic disorders that can affect the ectoderm; this approach will not work across the board, experts say.

— michael nedelman, CNN, "Twins treated for genetic disorder in the womb," 18 May 2018
The outermost layer, the ectoderm, contributes to a number of structures including the skin, teeth, hair and sweat glands.

— michael nedelman, CNN, "Twins treated for genetic disorder in the womb," 18 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ectoderm.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.