endoderm

noun

en·​do·​derm ˈen-də-ˌdərm How to pronounce endoderm (audio)
1
a
: the innermost of the three primary germ layers of an embryo that is the source of the epithelium of the digestive tract and its derivatives and of the lower respiratory tract
b
: a tissue (such as esophageal or pancreatic tissue) derived from this germ layer
2
: the inner layer of cells of a diploblastic animal (such as a jellyfish or sponge)
endodermal adjective

Word History

Etymology

French endoderme, from end- + Greek derma skin — more at derm-

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of endoderm was in 1861

Dictionary Entries Near endoderm

Cite this Entry

“Endoderm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endoderm. Accessed 31 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

endoderm

noun
en·​do·​derm ˈen-də-ˌdərm How to pronounce endoderm (audio)
1
: the innermost of the three basic layers of an embryo that forms the epithelium of the digestive tract and the parts of the body formed from it
2
: the inner layer of cells of an animal (as a jellyfish or hydra) whose body is composed of two layers of cells
endodermal adjective

Medical Definition

endoderm

noun
en·​do·​derm ˈen-də-ˌdərm How to pronounce endoderm (audio)
: the innermost of the three primary germ layers of an embryo that is the source of the epithelium of the digestive tract and its derivatives and of the lower respiratory tract
also : a tissue that is derived from this germ layer
endodermal adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on endoderm

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


Challenging Standardized Test Words, Vol. 2

  • a pencil broken in half on top of a test answer sheet
  • The business’s new computer system proved not to be a panacea.
Spell It

Hear a word and type it out. How many can you get right?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY