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

Examples of endoderm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Its hollow shell is made of cells that will form the placenta (called trophoblast stem cells, or TSCs) and the yolk sac (the extra-embryonic endoderm, or XEN cells). Philip Ball, Quanta Magazine, 13 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'endoderm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 28 Mar. 2024.

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

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