n.
Pronunciation: ˌ e-p ə - ' d ə r-m ə s
Function: noun
Etymology: Late Latin, from Greek, from epi- + derma skin ― more at DERM-
Date: 1626
1 a : the outer epithelial layer of the external integument of the animal body that is derived from the embryonic epiblast specifically : the outer nonsensitive and nonvascular layer of the skin of a vertebrate that overlies the dermis b : any of various animal integuments
2 : a thin surface layer of tissue in higher plants formed by growth of a primary meristem