ectoderm
noun
ec·to·derm
ˈek-tə-ˌdərm 
1
a
: the outermost of the three primary germ layers of an embryo that is the source of various tissues and structures (such as the epidermis, the nervous system, and the eyes and ears)
b
: a tissue (such as neural tissue) derived from this germ layer
2
: the outer layer of cells of a diploblastic animal (such as a jellyfish or sponge)
Examples of ectoderm in a Sentence
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There are a number of genetic disorders that can affect the ectoderm; this approach will not work across the board, experts say.
—
Michael Nedelman, CNN, 18 May 2018
The outermost layer, the ectoderm, contributes to a number of structures including the skin, teeth, hair and sweat glands.
—Michael Nedelman, CNN, 18 May 2018
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Michael Nedelman, CNN, 18 May 2018
The outermost layer, the ectoderm, contributes to a number of structures including the skin, teeth, hair and sweat glands.
—Michael Nedelman, CNN, 18 May 2018
Dictionary Entries Near ectoderm
Cite this Entry
“Ectoderm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ectoderm. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ectoderm
noun
ec·to·derm
ˈek-tə-ˌdərm
1
: the outer layer of cells of a two-layered animal (as a jellyfish)
2
: the outermost of the three basic layers of an embryo from which skin, nerves, and certain other structures develop
Medical Definition
ectoderm
noun
ec·to·derm
ˈek-tə-ˌdərm
1
: the outermost of the three primary germ layers of an embryo
2
: a tissue (as neural tissue) derived from ectoderm
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