hypodermis

Also hy·po·derm

[hahy-puh-dur-mis]

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.

hypodermis

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• hypodermal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypodermis¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypodermis¹

C19: from _hypo- + _epidermis

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.

Read more on Science Daily

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

Read more on Science Daily

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

Read more on Science Daily

By histolysis certain parts of the hypodermis are destroyed, while other portions of it develop into the new structures.

Read more on 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.

Read more on Project Gutenberg