epidermis

Term: epidermis

Origin: Anc Greek επί/epi(=prefix meaning upon, on) +δέρμα/derma(=skin)  > δέρω/dero(=peel)

Definition:

1. (anatomy)  the outer layer of the skin

2. (botany) the outermost layer of cells covering the leaves and young parts of a plant (root, stem) usually consisting of a single layer offering protection of the underlying tissues from excessive water loss.

3. (zoology) the outermost layer of the skin of a eumetazoan animal