dermis

1 of 2

noun

der·​mis ˈdər-məs How to pronounce dermis (audio)
: the vascular, thick layer of the skin lying below the epidermis and above the superficial fascia that contains fibroblasts, macrophages, mast cells, B cells, and sensory nerve endings and has an extracellular matrix composed of proteoglycans and glycoproteins embedded with collagen and elastin fibers

called also corium, cutis

see hair illustration

-dermis

2 of 2

noun combining form

: layer of skin or tissue
endodermis

Examples of dermis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The machine gently emits laser energy to warm up the upper dermis and boost collagen production, while also soothing facial redness by targeting capillaries. Amber Gibson, Glamour, 21 Oct. 2024 This type of moisturizer works by pulling water from the dermis (the middle layer of the skin) into the skin surface. Rosanna Sutherby, Verywell Health, 11 Sep. 2024 Experts don’t know why some people get PN and others don’t, but abnormalities in the nerves and immune system cells located in the top and middle layers of the skin (the epidermis and dermis) seem to be the cause.3 Historically, it was considered a rare disease. Sarah Bradley, Health, 6 Sep. 2024 Most injuries that penetrate the dermis below the top layer of skin will leave a scar. Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 23 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for dermis 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dermis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

New Latin, from Late Latin -dermis

Noun combining form

Late Latin, from Greek, from derma

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dermis was circa 1830

Dictionary Entries Near dermis

Cite this Entry

“Dermis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dermis. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

dermis

noun
der·​mis ˈdər-məs How to pronounce dermis (audio)
: the sensitive inner layer of skin directly under the epidermis

Medical Definition

dermis

noun
der·​mis ˈdər-məs How to pronounce dermis (audio)
: the vascular, thick layer of the skin lying below the epidermis and above the superficial fascia that contains fibroblasts, macrophages, mast cells, B cells, and sensory nerve endings and has an extracellular matrix composed of proteoglycans and glycoproteins embedded with collagen and elastin fibers

called also corium, cutis, cutis vera, derma

More from Merriam-Webster on dermis

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