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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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

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