epidermal

adjective

epi·​der·​mal ˌe-pə-ˈdər-məl How to pronounce epidermal (audio)
variants or less commonly epidermic
: of, relating to, or arising from the epidermis

Examples of epidermal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This leads to a buildup of epidermal debris that can form long, hair-like structures on the tongue. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 7 July 2023 The cuticle is not really living, but the epidermal cells are, says Carter. Lori Oliwenstein, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019 Because of a lower ceramide content and higher trans epidermal water loss, darker skin is more prone to dryness which can result in more dead skin, dullness, and darker facial hair. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 20 Oct. 2023 Proper and regular skin exfoliation is the best way to prevent milia formation (small epidermal cysts caused by the buildup of sebum and keratin proteins), according to Aparovich. Lindsay Modglin, Verywell Health, 11 Aug. 2023 Melanocytes are a small subset of epidermal cells that play an outsize role in protecting your skin from the damaging effects of sun exposure. Craig Ceol, The Conversation, 10 July 2023 My lip lift involved mostly the dermal and epidermal layers of the skin, but there are some more invasive lip lifts, depending on the needs and goals of each patient. Taryn Brooke, Allure, 7 July 2023 Wild parsnip, which is often found growing alongside poison hemlock, can react with the skin if touched, destroying epidermal cells and possibly leading to severe blistering. Emily Deletter, The Enquirer, 11 Apr. 2023 Dermal melasma may increase blood vessels in the dermis.4 Mixed Mixed melasma is a combination of both epidermal and dermal melasma. Melanie Rud, Health, 14 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'epidermal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of epidermal was in 1816

Dictionary Entries Near epidermal

Cite this Entry

“Epidermal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epidermal. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

epidermal

adjective
epi·​der·​mal ˌep-ə-ˈdər-məl How to pronounce epidermal (audio)
: of, relating to, or arising from the epidermis
epidermal tissues

Medical Definition

epidermal

adjective
epi·​der·​mal ˌep-ə-ˈdər-məl How to pronounce epidermal (audio)
: of, relating to, or arising from the epidermis

More from Merriam-Webster on epidermal

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!