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dermal

American  
[dur-muhl] / ˈdɜr məl /

adjective

  1. of or relating to the skin.


dermal British  
/ ˈdɜːməl /

adjective

  1. of or relating to the skin

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

dermal Scientific  
/ dûrməl /
  1. Relating to or involving the skin.


Etymology

Origin of dermal

First recorded in 1795–1805; derm(a) 1 + -al 1

Explanation

In science and medicine, dermal describes something having to do with skin, like the dermal dryness that makes you itchy in the wintertime. The adjective dermal is derived from the Greek derma, or "skin." It's mostly used by doctors and scientists to describe skin-related structures, treatments and conditions. In humans for example, the dermal layer is deeper than the outermost, exposed epidermal layer. A synonym for dermal is cutaneous.

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Vocabulary lists containing dermal

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Later this spring, the affiliate says it plans to offer dermal fillers that add volume to body parts such as lips and cheeks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

Nonsurgical options like dermal fillers or fat grafting can suffuse depressions to create a more centered appearance.

From Slate • Feb. 22, 2026

Clinics are now being advised to use the scans when giving dermal fillers in the face, to avoid harming any nearby arteries.

From BBC • Dec. 3, 2025

She said dermal fillers were more dangerous than Botox as they can block the blood supply to the skin and cause "skin death".

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2025

One relatively large depressed osculum usually present in each sponge; pores inconspicuous; dermal membrane in close contact with the parenchyma.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Annandale, Nelson

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