hypodermis

American  

[hahy-puh-dur-mis] / ˌhaɪ pəˈdɜr mɪs /

Also hypoderm

noun

1. Zoology. an underlayer of epithelial cells in arthropods and certain other invertebrates that secretes substances for the overlying cuticle or exoskeleton.

2. Botany. a tissue or layer of cells beneath the epidermis.

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hypodermis British  

/ ˌhaɪpəˈdɜːmɪs /

noun

1. botany a layer of thick-walled supportive or water-storing cells beneath the epidermis in some plants

2. zoology the epidermis of arthropods, annelids, etc, which secretes and is covered by a cuticle

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Other Word Forms

• hypodermal adjective

Etymology

Origin of hypodermis

First recorded in 1865–70; hypo- + -dermis

Example Sentences

Similar to a hypodermic needle, a nematode uses its stylet to pierce cells and pull out food -- in this case from the pseudoscorpion's hypodermis, part of the outer covering known as the integument.

From Science Daily • Jun. 6, 2024

The hypodermis, made of connective tissue and fat, provides structure and support over the skull.

From Science Daily • Mar. 4, 2024

"We printed directly into the injury site with the target of forming the hypodermis, which helps with wound healing, hair follicle generation, temperature regulation and more."

From Science Daily • Mar. 4, 2024

The lowest level of the skin, the hypodermis, contains fatty tissue, arteries, and veins.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

This cellular layer is called the hypodermis; it is protected externally by a cuticle, a layer of matter it itself excretes, or in the excretion of which it plays, at any rate, an important part.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 4 "Hero" to "Hindu Chronology" by Various