epidermis

noun

epi·​der·​mis ˌe-pə-ˈdər-məs How to pronounce epidermis (audio)
1
a
: the outer epithelial layer of the external integument of the animal body that is derived from the embryonic epiblast
specifically : the outer nonsensitive and nonvascular layer of the skin of a vertebrate that overlies the dermis
b
: any of various animal integuments
2
: a thin surface layer of tissue in higher plants formed by growth of a primary meristem

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Epidermis includes the Greek prefix epi-, meaning "outer;" thus, the epidermis overlies the dermis, or inner layer of skin. The epidermis itself consists of four or five layers; the outermost layer is made of dead cells, which are being shed continuously. The epidermis acts as a physical barrier—a protective wrap over the body's surface, which, by preventing water loss, allows vertebrates to live on land.

Examples of epidermis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But the surgeons were unable to acquire tissue, because even her epidermis was invulnerable to steel. Nell Zink, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025 Building artificial skin with room to grow The researchers initially sought to create a skin imitation that could accurately mimic the three layers in human skin: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 3 Apr. 2025 But skin-care products and habits, like harsh chemical exfoliants and cleansing too often (yes, that’s a thing), can inadvertently harm the skin's moisture barrier, which is the outermost layer of the skin (also known as the epidermis) that guards against external stressors. Sarah Han, Allure, 4 Mar. 2025 This causes this epidermis layer to separate from the dermis (middle layer of skin) and form a burn blister. Laura Schober, Health, 27 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for epidermis

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek, from epi- + derma skin — more at derm-

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of epidermis was in 1626

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Cite this Entry

“Epidermis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epidermis. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

epidermis

noun
epi·​der·​mis ˌep-ə-ˈdər-məs How to pronounce epidermis (audio)
1
: the thin outer layer of the animal body that in vertebrates forms an insensitive covering over the dermis
2
: a thin surface layer of protecting cells in seed plants and ferns

Medical Definition

epidermis

noun
epi·​der·​mis -ˈdər-məs How to pronounce epidermis (audio)
1
: the outer epithelial layer of the external integument of the animal body that is derived from the embryonic epiblast
specifically : the outer nonsensitive and nonvascular layer of the skin of a vertebrate that overlies the dermis
2
: any of various animal integuments

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