-derm
suffix
UK/dɜːm/US/dɜːrm/
Relates to skin or a layer of tissue in biological or anatomical contexts.
Example Sentences
The suffix -derm is commonly used in biology to describe layers of tissue or skin.
Ectoderm refers to the outermost layer of cells in embryonic development.
Endoderm describes the innermost layer of cells forming the lining of internal organs.
Words with -derm often refer to specific layers or types of skin or tissue.
Mesoderm is the middle layer in the embryonic development of vertebrates.
The term pachyderm is used for thick-skinned animals like elephants and rhinos.
Hypoderm relates to the layer of tissue beneath the epidermis.
The suffix -derm helps specify structural or functional aspects of biological layers.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A suffix referring to skin, layer, or covering in biology.The suffix '-derm' is used in biological and anatomical terminology to denote a layer of tissue or skin. For example, 'epiderm' refers to the outer layer of skin, while 'endoderm' describes the innermost layer of cells in an embryo. It is often paired with prefixes indicating position, such as 'ecto-' for outside or 'meso-' for middle. '-derm' is integral to discussions about tissue structure and development in organisms, particularly in embryology and anatomy. Use it to describe layers precisely in scientific contexts.
Alternatives
Alternative phrasing might include 'skin layer,' 'outer layer,' or 'cell layer,' depending on the specific term. For example, 'epiderm' can be explained as 'the outer skin layer.'
Writing
In scientific writing, '-derm' is effective for concise descriptions of tissue layers. Always pair it with a clarifying prefix and define terms for broader audiences when necessary, especially in interdisciplinary contexts.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, '-derm' terms may need simplification. For instance, instead of 'epiderm,' you might say 'the skin's outer layer.' This ensures clarity for non-specialist listeners.
Etymology
The suffix '-derm' comes from the Greek word 'derma,' meaning 'skin.' It has been adopted in scientific nomenclature to describe layers of tissue or skin, reflecting its etymological roots in anatomy and biology.