epidermis
nounUK /ˌepɪˈdɜːmɪs/
US /ˌepɪˈdɜːrmɪs/
The epidermis is the thin top layer of your skin.
The epidermis protects your body from dirt and germs.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The outer protective layer of cells in plants.
The leaf's epidermis keeps water inside the plant.
3. A thin outer covering on an animal such as an insect.
The beetle's hard epidermis shields its body.
4. The outermost layer of tissue in some simple animals.
Scientists studied the epidermis of the worm under a microscope.