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Glite Dictionary
integumentary system

integumentary system

1 6.9
A group of body parts like skin, hair, nails, and glands that covers and protects the body
  • noun
  • /ˌɪntɪˈɡjuːməntəri ˈsɪstəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : sistema tegumentario
  • A healthy integumentary system helps prevent infections and regulates body temperature.

Examples

  • The doctor explained how the integumentary system plays a vital role in overall health.

  • It's your integumentary system.

    Bedazzled (2000)

  • The integumentary system includes the skin, hair, and nails that protect your body.

Surface Forms

integumentary system singular
integumentary systems plural

Morphology

integumentary + system

Both constituents directly contribute to the meaning: 'integumentary' means relating to the skin or protective covering and 'system' denotes an ensemble of organs. The combined sense — the bodily system of skin and related structures that protects the body — is compositional and predictable for a learner who knows the two words.

Etymology

Integumentary system comes from the old word integument, meaning 'a covering'. Think of your skin as a coat or shield that covers and keeps the body safe, so the term refers to the skin and related parts that 'protect' the body.