ectoderm

 
Pronunciation: /ˈɛktə(ʊ)dəːm/

noun

[mass noun] Zoology & Embryology
  • the outermost layer of cells or tissue of an embryo in early development, or the parts derived from this, which include the epidermis, nerve tissue, and nephridia. Compare with endoderm and mesoderm.

Derivatives

ectodermal

Pronunciation: /-ˈdəːm(ə)l/
adjective

Origin:

mid 19th century: from ecto- 'outside' + Greek derma 'skin'