stratum lucidum

9.8

A thin, clear layer of skin in the palms and soles between outer and inner layers

noun
/ˈstreɪtəm ˈluːsɪdəm/

Specialized

: estrato lúcido

The stratum lucidum is clearly visible in the skin of the palms under a microscope.

Examples

In thin skin, the stratum lucidum is usually absent or very difficult to detect.
Damage to the stratum lucidum can impair the barrier function of thick skin on the soles.
The stratum lucidum is found only in thick skin.
In the palms, the stratum lucidum provides additional protection.
Damage to the stratum lucidum can impair the barrier function of thick skin on the soles.
In thin skin, the stratum lucidum is usually absent or very difficult to detect.
The stratum lucidum is clearly visible in the skin of the palms under a microscope.

Surface Forms

stratum lucidum singular

strata lucida plural

stratum lucida singular

Morphology

stratum + lucidum

The term is compositionally built from Latin-derived elements: 'stratum' = layer and 'lucidum' = clear, so the sense 'clear layer' directly matches the anatomical definition given. Although it is a technical, Latin-based anatomical label, the adjective-noun composition is transparent and a learner who knows the constituents would reasonably infer its meaning.

Etymology

Stratum lucidum comes from Latin words: stratum meaning 'layer' and lucidum meaning 'clear' or 'light'. It describes the thin, almost glass-like layer you can see in the thick skin of the palms and soles, so the name simply tells us it is the 'clear layer' of the skin.