squamous

adjective

squa·​mous ˈskwā-məs 

 also  ˈskwä-

1

a

: covered with or consisting of scales : scaly

b

: of, relating to, or being a stratified epithelium that consists at least in its outer layers of small scalelike cells

2

: resembling a scale or plate in structure

especially : of, relating to, or being either the thin anterior upper portion of the temporal bone, the vertical portion of the frontal bone forming the forehead, or the curved expanded portion of the occipital bone behind the foramen magnum

Synonyms

• scaled
• scaly

Examples of squamous in a Sentence

a squamous plant bulb

Recent Examples on the Web

Eligible participants must identify as Black, be assigned female at birth or self-identify as women, not have a history of cancer (except basal or squamous skin cancer) and be between ages 25 and 55. —Shana O. Ntiri, Baltimore Sun, 21 June 2024

Eligible participants must identify as Black, be assigned female at birth or identify as women, have no history of cancer (aside from common basal or squamous skin cancers) and be between the ages of 25 and 55. —Roni Caryn Rabin, New York Times, 7 June 2024

Melanoma, for example, is more common among lighter skinned people, while squamous is more common among those with darker complexions. —Beth Sobol, Allure, 29 Nov. 2023

Skin cancers basal and squamous command $90,000, prostate cancer $200,000, and all other varieties such as melanoma and leukemia $250,000. —Shawn Tully, Fortune, 26 July 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin squamosus, from squama scale

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing squamous

• squamous cell
• squamous cell carcinoma

Kids Definition

squamous

adjective

squa·​mous ˈskwā-məs 

ˈskwä-

: of, relating to, or being an epithelium that consists at least in its outer layers of small flattened scalelike cells

Medical Definition

squamous

adjective

squa·​mous ˈskwā-məs 

1

a

: covered with or consisting of scales

b

: of, relating to, or being a stratified epithelium that consists at least in its outer layers of small scalelike cells

The epidermis is a stratified squamous epithelium forming the barrier that excludes harmful microbes and retains body fluids.

—Terry Lechler et al., Nature

2

: resembling a scale or plate

especially : of, relating to, or being the thin anterior upper portion of the temporal bone