hypodermis

noun

hy·​po·​der·​mis ˌhī-pə-ˈdər-məs 

1

: the tissue immediately beneath the epidermis of a plant especially when modified to serve as a supporting and protecting layer

2

: the cellular layer that underlies and secretes the chitinous cuticle (as of an arthropod)

3

: superficial fascia

Examples of hypodermis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Building artificial skin with room to grow The researchers initially sought to create a skin imitation that could accurately mimic the three layers in human skin: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. —Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 3 Apr. 2025

The ASCs of the hypodermis secrete and regulate a variety of cytokines and chemokines that impact skin behavior, melanin production, immuno modulatory function and skin rejuvenation. —Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024

Anything that punctures the dermal barrier and wounds either of the two layers of skin below the epidermis—known as the dermis and hypodermis—can cause scars. —Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 23 July 2024

The body’s largest organ has three main layers — epidermis, dermis and hypodermis — and creates a barrier against potentially harmful substances while also helping to regulate your body’s temperature. —Andrea Atkins, Washington Post, 2 July 2024

Credit: Ching-Han Lee A mitochondrial calcium wave propagating throughout the hypodermis tissue after contacting P. ostreatus. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 18 Jan. 2023

Sun protection is key to reduce the appearance and prevent melasma,.3 Types of Melasma There are different types of melasma, which vary by what skin layer it affects.4 The skin is made up of three layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. —Melanie Rud, Health, 14 Mar. 2023

The hypodermis is the innermost layer of skin, which stores fat and energy.5 Epidermal Epidermal melasma affects the epidermis. —Melanie Rud, Health, 14 Mar. 2023

Under this is the subcutaneous layer known as the hypodermis, comprised of fatty tissue which can be up to inches thick depending on the person. —Philip Ellis, Men's Health, 9 Apr. 2022

Word History

Etymology

hypo- + -dermis (in epidermis), probably after German Hypodermis

First Known Use

circa 1866, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hypodermis

• endodermis
• epidermis
• dermis
• thermos
• vermis

Medical Definition

hypodermis

noun

hy·​po·​der·​mis ˌhī-pə-ˈdər-məs 

1

: the cellular layer that underlies and secretes the chitinous cuticle (as of an arthropod)

2

: superficial fascia