epidermis
UK[ˌɛpɪˈdɜːmɪs]US[ˌɛpɪˈdɜːrmɪs]
n
the thin outer layer of the skin of a vertebrate animal.
n
the outer layer of cells covering a plant, leaf, or stem.
Morpheme Breakdown
epi
dermis
epi
upon
dermis
skin
Etymology
the word epidermis is a direct borrowing from late latin, which itself was taken from the greek 'epidermis', a compound of 'epi-' (meaning 'upon') and 'derma' (meaning 'skin'). the greek 'derma' traces back to the proto-indo-european root der-, meaning 'to split, flay, peel', which relates to the concept of skin as a separable covering. in modern biological terminology, epidermis retains this literal sense, precisely denoting the layer of skin or tissue that sits upon ('epi-') the deeper dermis, illustrating a clear anatomical hierarchy derived from its ancient components.
Analysis
Structure: epi (upon) + dermis (skin)
epi (prefix of greek origin meaning 'upon, over, at'). dermis (root of greek origin meaning 'skin').
Examples
the outermost layer of human skin is called the epidermis.
sunburn damages the epidermis, causing redness and peeling.
the plant's epidermis acts as a protective barrier against water loss.