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