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Glite Dictionary
hypodermis

hypodermis

8.9
A layer of cells under the outer skin of animals like insects that makes their hard shell
  • noun
  • /ˌhaɪpəˈdɜr.mɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : hipodermis
  • The hypodermis secretes the tough exoskeleton that protects insects.

Examples

  • In insects, the hypodermis secretes the cuticle.

  • Damage to the hypodermis can affect an arthropod's ability to molt properly.

  • Researchers studied the role of the hypodermis in the development of new cuticle layers.

  • The hypodermis is crucial for arthropod growth.

  • Researchers studied the role of the hypodermis in the development of new cuticle layers.

  • Damage to the hypodermis can affect an arthropod's ability to molt properly.

  • In insects, the hypodermis secretes the cuticle.

Surface Forms

hypodermis singular
hypodermises plural

Morphology

hypodermis = dermis (transparent) = hypo + dermis

The word is transparently built from hypo- meaning 'under/beneath' and dermis meaning 'skin layer'.

Etymology

Hypodermis breaks into hypo- meaning 'under' and dermis meaning 'skin', the same parts you see in hypodermic. So the hypodermis is the layer 'under' the outer skin that makes the hard cuticle or outer shell of insects.