ectoderm

noun

ec·to·derm | \ ˈek-tə-ˌdərm

Definition of ectoderm

1a : 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 sponge)

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Examples of ectoderm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on 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, 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, 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.