epidermis
noun
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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
Lisa Desantis, Health, 22 Mar. 2024
That’s great news for your epidermis — slightly less so for your wallet.
—Hannah Baxter, Allure, 5 Mar. 2024
Our skin’s outermost layer, the epidermis, acts as a waterproof barrier that holds moisture inside — and keeps everything else out.
—Alex Orlando, Discover Magazine, 2 Feb. 2024
Studies have shown that the molecule, which is also known as a type of complex sugar called glycosaminoglycans, has wound-healing properties and binds water to molecules to hold that moisture in our epidermis.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 18 Feb. 2024
In other words, a split occurs in the epidermis, your skin's outermost layer.
—Karen Pallarito, Health, 1 Feb. 2024
Or did the bees know better than to waste their time trying to penetrate the presumably granite-like epidermis of the Crank and Expendables star?
—Clark Collis, EW.com, 11 Jan. 2024
The injured area quickly fills with clear, plasma-like fluid, forming a bubble below the epidermis.
—Karen Pallarito, Health, 1 Feb. 2024
An epidermis, or outer layer of skin, is needed for animals to survive on land.
—Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 11 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'epidermis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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“Epidermis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epidermis. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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epidermis
noun
Medical Definition
epidermis
noun
More from Merriam-Webster on epidermis
Nglish: Translation of epidermis for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of epidermis for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about epidermis
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