1. The outermost layer of skin in vertebrates, consisting of epithelial cells and serving as a protective barrier.
Usage: Also called epidermis; epiderm is less common in modern usage but appears in scientific and medical contexts.

Examples

• The epiderm protects the body from harmful bacteria and UV radiation.
• Sunburn damages the cells of the epiderm.
• The epiderm is thinner on the eyelids than on the palms.
• Dermatologists study the structure of the epiderm to understand skin diseases.