: 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)
ectodermal
ˌek-tə-ˈdər-məl
adjective
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebThere 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
Word History
Etymology
International Scientific Vocabulary
First Known Use
1859, in the meaning defined at sense 2
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