dermis

¹

[ dur-mis ]

noun

1. Anatomy, Zoology. the dense inner layer of skin beneath the epidermis, composed of connective tissue, blood and lymph vessels, sweat glands, hair follicles, and an elaborate sensory nerve network.

-dermis

²

1. a combining form meaning “skin,” “layer of tissue,” used in the formation of compound words:

   exodermis; gastrodermis.

dermis

/ ˈdɜːmɪs /

noun

1. another name for corium

dermis

/ dûr′mĭs /

1. The innermost layer of the skin in vertebrate animals. The dermis lies under the epidermis and contains nerve endings and blood and lymph vessels. In mammals, the dermis also contains hair follicles and sweat glands.

Derived Forms

• ˈdermic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dermis¹

1820–30; < New Latin; abstracted from epidermis

Origin of dermis²

On the model of epidermis; dermis

Word History and Origins

Origin of dermis¹

C19: New Latin, from epidermis

Example Sentences

They achieved both the hypodermis and dermis layers, with the epidermis forming within two weeks by itself.

From Science Daily

As the skin undergoes photoaging, type I collagen bundles, which are found in the dermis beneath the top layer of the skin and provide strength and support to skin, become fragmented.

From Science Daily

Multi-layered full thickness skin was created which contained all three layers present in normal human tissue: epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis.

From Science Daily

“My skin is exposed and can burn in the sunlight because I don’t have that outer dermis,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

After applying a topical anesthetic, the device uses insulated micro-needling and radio-frequency energy to wake dermis cells and stimulate new collagen and elastin growth at the deepest levels.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• bark
• coating
• crust
• fur
• husk
• jacket
• membrane
• rind
• sheath
• surface