Word
squamous
Phoneticssqua·mous, stress on the first syllable
/ˈskweɪməs/
Definition
adj. flat and thin like tiny scales. Doctors use it to describe certain skin and mouth cells.
adj. covered with or made of thin, flat, scale-like structures. Most often describes flattened epithelial cells in skin and mucous membranes.
Examples
“The doctor checks the squamous cells in the skin.”
“The biopsy showed normal squamous cells lining the mouth with no sign of abnormal growth.”
“The pathologist noted that the squamous lining of the oesophagus showed early changes linked to chronic irritation.”
Examples
simple
“The doctor checks the squamous cells in the skin.”
contextual
“The biopsy showed normal squamous cells lining the mouth with no sign of abnormal growth.”
complex
“The pathologist noted that the squamous lining of the oesophagus showed early changes linked to chronic irritation.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “squamous” in context.
Verb
01. confirm squamous
“Immunostaining confirmed squamous origin of the malignant cells.”
verb + adj
02. differentiate into squamous
“Columnar cells can differentiate into squamous cells after chronic injury.”
verb + prep + adj
03. reveal squamous
“The biopsy revealed squamous differentiation in the tumour sample.”
verb + adj
04. show squamous
“Histology showed squamous features with keratin pearls present.”
verb + adj
Adjective
05. keratinized squamous
“Keratinized squamous tissue protects the outer layer of the skin.”
adj + adj
06. nonkeratinized squamous
“The oral cavity is lined by nonkeratinized squamous epithelium.”
adj + adj
Noun
07. squamous carcinoma
“The patient was diagnosed with squamous carcinoma of the tongue.”
adj + noun
08. squamous cell
“A squamous cell was identified under the microscope for analysis.”
adj + noun
09. squamous epithelium
“Squamous epithelium forms a protective barrier in the mouth.”
adj + noun
10. invasive squamous cell carcinoma
“The biopsy confirmed invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the lung.”
11. show squamous differentiation
“The tumour cells show squamous differentiation on histology.”
12. squamous cell carcinoma
“Surgical excision is often required for early squamous cell carcinoma.”
Etymology
From Middle English squamous, from Latin squāmōsus, from squāma (“scale(of a fish or reptile)”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
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.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL 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: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/squamous