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

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

From Science Daily

Multi-layered full thickness skin was created which contained all three layers present in normal human tissue: epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis.

From Science Daily

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 Project Gutenberg

In this moult the last abdominal segment of the first larva is entirely thrown off: not merely the outer skin, as in the case of the other segments, but also36 the hypodermis and the muscles.

From Project Gutenberg