epidermis
noun
epi·der·mis
ˌe-pə-ˈdər-məs 
1
a
: the outer epithelial layer of the external integument of the animal body that is derived from the embryonic epiblast
specifically
: the outer nonsensitive and nonvascular layer of the skin of a vertebrate that overlies the dermis
b
: any of various animal integuments
2
: a thin surface layer of tissue in higher plants formed by growth of a primary meristem
Did you know?
Epidermis includes the Greek prefix epi-, meaning "outer;" thus, the epidermis overlies the dermis, or inner layer of skin. The epidermis itself consists of four or five layers; the outermost layer is made of dead cells, which are being shed continuously. The epidermis acts as a physical barrier—a protective wrap over the body's surface, which, by preventing water loss, allows vertebrates to live on land.
Examples of epidermis in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Exfoliates the Skin The outer layer of skin (the epidermis) is made up of four layers.
—
Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 14 May 2025
Third-degree burns, the most serious burn level, destroy the epidermis and dermis, or the outer and middle layers of skin, and can also damage a person's bones, muscles and tendons, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
—Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 1 May 2025
When your skin is peeling, the epidermis (top layer) of your skin starts to dry out, crack, and break away from the rest of your skin.
—Sarah Bradley, Health, 5 Sep. 2024
But the surgeons were unable to acquire tissue, because even her epidermis was invulnerable to steel.
—Nell Zink, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for epidermis
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 14 May 2025
Third-degree burns, the most serious burn level, destroy the epidermis and dermis, or the outer and middle layers of skin, and can also damage a person's bones, muscles and tendons, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
—Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 1 May 2025
When your skin is peeling, the epidermis (top layer) of your skin starts to dry out, crack, and break away from the rest of your skin.
—Sarah Bradley, Health, 5 Sep. 2024
But the surgeons were unable to acquire tissue, because even her epidermis was invulnerable to steel.
—Nell Zink, Harper's Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for epidermis
Cite this Entry
“Epidermis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epidermis. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
epidermis
noun
epi·der·mis
ˌep-ə-ˈdər-məs
1
: the thin outer layer of the animal body that in vertebrates forms an insensitive covering over the dermis
2
: a thin surface layer of protecting cells in seed plants and ferns
Medical Definition
epidermis
noun
epi·der·mis
-ˈdər-məs
1
: the outer epithelial layer of the external integument of the animal body that is derived from the embryonic epiblast
specifically
: the outer nonsensitive and nonvascular layer of the skin of a vertebrate that overlies the dermis
2
: any of various animal integuments
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share