ectoderm
|ec-to-derm|
🇺🇸
/ˈɛk.təˌdɝm/
🇬🇧
/ˈɛk.təˌdɔːm/
outer germ layer
Etymology
'ectoderm' originates from Greek, specifically the elements 'ektós' and 'dérma', where 'ektós' meant 'outside' and 'dérma' meant 'skin'.
'ectoderm' was formed in New Latin/modern scientific coinage from Greek roots (compare New Latin 'ectoderma' or 'ectodermum') and entered English usage in the 19th century in embryology.
Initially it literally meant 'outer skin' (the outer layer or skin), but over time it evolved into the technical embryological term for the 'outer germ layer' that produces epidermis, nervous tissue, and related structures.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the outermost of the three primary germ layers in the embryo; it gives rise to the epidermis, nervous system, and certain sensory organs.
During early development, cells of the ectoderm will differentiate into the nervous system and skin.
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Noun 2
tissues or structures that are derived from the ectoderm (used when referring collectively to derivatives such as epidermis and neural tissue).
Researchers examined the ectoderm to trace the origin of certain sensory cells.
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Last updated: 2025/11/28 15:48