endoderm
|en-do-derm|
🇺🇸
/ˈɛn.doʊ.dɜrm/
🇬🇧
/ˈɛn.dəʊ.dɜːm/
inner embryonic layer
Etymology
'endoderm' originates from Greek, specifically the words 'endon' and 'derma', where 'endon' meant 'within' and 'derma' meant 'skin'.
'endoderm' was coined in modern scientific usage (via New Latin/Neo-Latin) in the 19th century by combining these Greek roots and entered English as 'endoderm'.
Initially it literally meant 'inner skin' or 'inner layer', but over time it evolved into the specific embryological sense of 'the innermost germ layer that forms internal linings and organs'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the innermost of the three primary germ layers in an embryo, which gives rise to the lining of the digestive and respiratory tracts and associated organs (such as the liver and pancreas).
During development the endoderm gives rise to the epithelial lining of the gut and respiratory tract.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/28 18:23