epidermis

noun

epi·​der·​mis ˌe-pə-ˈdər-məs 

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

Did you know?

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

The outermost layer of skin, known as the epidermis, is made up of a fibrous protein called keratin, which is produced by skin cells called keratinocytes, Dr. Gohara explains. —Victoria Moorhouse, Allure, 30 July 2025

Collagen fibers in the skin’s dermal layer, or dermis, which sits between the outer epidermis and the deepest layer, the hypodermis, aren’t randomly placed. —New Atlas, 24 July 2025

The outermost layer of our skin is the epidermis, consisting of five sublayers. —Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 30 June 2025

Most of the epidermis is made of keratinocytes, cells in a constant cycle of renewal and migration through the layers, dying at the top to build a strong protective barrier. —Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 30 June 2025

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

Rhymes for epidermis

• endodermis
• hypodermis
• dermis
• thermos
• vermis

Kids Definition

epidermis

noun

epi·​der·​mis ˌep-ə-ˈdər-məs 

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 

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