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Definition of epidermis
epidermis
/ˌɛp.əˈdɝː.mɪs/
ep · i · der · mis
Adverb:epidermally
•Plural:epidermises
•Adjective:epidermal
epidermis Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
9
Tier
2
Usage
Top 10k
Syllables
4
epidermis Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
The outer, nonvascular, protective layer of the skin of vertebrates, which overlies the dermis and consists mainly of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.
Example
"A superficial sunburn primarily damages the epidermis, causing redness and peeling within a few days."
2
The outermost layer of cells covering the leaves, stems, roots, and floral parts of a vascular plant, serving to prevent water loss and protect against infection.
Example
"Under the microscope, the students observed the guard cells and stomata embedded in the lower epidermis of the leaf."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for epidermis• Rhymes for epidermis
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 17th century via Late Latin from Ancient Greek 'epidermis', a compound of 'epi-' (upon, over) and 'derma' (skin).
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Epidermis. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/epidermis