Word
epidermis
Phoneticsepi·der·mis
US/ˌɛpəˈdɝməs/
UK/ˌɛpɪdˈɜːmɪs/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. the outermost layer of the skin. It is the thin, protective layer that you can see and touch.
n. the outermost of the three layers of the skin, consisting of stratified squamous epithelium. It provides a waterproof barrier and protects against environmental damage.
Examples
“The epidermis is the thin layer on the surface of your skin.”
“When you get a sunburn, the epidermis is the layer that becomes red and painful.”
“The epidermis is constantly renewing itself through a process of cell division and migration, eventually shedding dead skin cells to maintain a healthy barrier against pathogens.”
Examples
simple
“The epidermis is the thin layer on the surface of your skin.”
contextual
“When you get a sunburn, the epidermis is the layer that becomes red and painful.”
complex
“The epidermis is constantly renewing itself through a process of cell division and migration, eventually shedding dead skin cells to maintain a healthy barrier against pathogens.”
Real-World Examples
“Surgeons remove the outermost layer of skin, the epidermis, and a sliver of the underlayer, the dermis, from an unburned part of the patient’s body and use it to cover the wound.” “Where there were once delicate whorls of lightly ridged epidermis, engorged folds of ugly pruned skin will now be found.” “There are usually two beans in a coffee cherry, each of which is covered by a thin epidermis known as the silverskin and a papery hull that we call parchment (technically the endocarp ).” “When you're touched, the nerve endings under your top layer of skin, or epidermis, send electrical signals to the brain.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin epidermis, from Ancient Greek ἐπιδερμίς (epidermís), ἐπί (epí, “on top of”) + δέρμα (dérma, “skin”). Equivalent to epi- + dermis.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/epidermis