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epidermis

epidermis

12 5.1
The outer layer of skin that protects the body
  • noun
  • /ˌɛpɪˈdɜrmɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : epidermis
  • Certain alkaloids produced in the plant's epidermis are known to deter insect feeding.
  • layer of epidermis
  • thickness of the epidermis
  • overlying epidermis

So when I say epidermis means layer above the dermis skin.

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Examples

  • In the case of severe friction, the epidermis is able to eventually withstand the original stimulus without damage.

    Academic text (1995)
  • The epidermis is healthy, save for a few batches of sun damage.

  • So when I say epidermis, that means the skin, which is the layer above the dermis.

  • It is so important to maintain the epidermis from head to toe.

  • I'm studying the osmosis of water through the epidermis.

  • Both static and cyclic normal pressures were applied to human epidermis with the use of a bench-top loading system.

    Academic text (2001)
  • Skin is composed of two principal layers, the epidermis and the dermis, joined by a distinct structure, the dermal-epidermal junction.

    Academic text (1995)
  • You'll sense perturbation as a result of the dried-up dynamics of one's epidermis, especially during wintertime.

    Blog text (3)
  • Calluses are even thickenings of the keratinized layer of the epidermis that form in response to repeated frictional loads.

    Academic text (1995)
  • The epidermis protects the body from environmental damage and prevents dehydration.

Synonyms

epithelium
vsepidermis
  • Specialized
2 9.1

A thin layer of cells that covers body surfaces and lines organs

is restricted to the skin's outer cell layer in vertebrate animals
epithelial tissue
vsepidermis
  • Specialized
4.3

A thin layer of cells that covers body surfaces and lines internal organs and cavities

is limited to the skin's outermost cell layer rather than internal linings

How Deep

muscle
679 1.3
fascia
  • Specialized
5 8.7
subcutis
  • Specialized
1 8.6
dermis
  • Specialized
4 6.0
epidermis
  • Specialized
12 5.1

Surface Forms

epidermis singular
epidermises plural

Morphology

epidermis = dermis (semi-transparent) = epi + derm + is

The prefix 'epi-' meaning 'upon' or 'over' combined with 'dermis' is clear, but the specific anatomical reference may not be immediately obvious.

Etymology

The word epidermis comes from Greek parts epi- meaning 'on' and derma meaning 'skin'. So epidermis literally means 'on the skin', which is why it names the outer layer of skin that sits on top and protects the body.