Definition

A layer of cells that forms on the surface of a fertilized egg, which later develops into the embryo.

Example

The blastoderm is crucial for the early development of the embryo in birds and reptiles.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a blastoderm?

No, what is that exactly?

It's the layer of cells that forms after an egg is fertilized.

Oh, that sounds interesting! I didn't know that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Blastoderm → It is formed from "blasto-" (from Greek "blastos", meaning germ or sprout) and "-derm" (from Greek "derma", meaning skin). The word refers to the layer of cells that forms the outer covering of an embryo, essentially the skin of the germ or sprout.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'germ' or 'sprout' ('blasto-') that has a 'skin' ('derm') — that's what a blastoderm is, the outer layer of an embryo.

Visually Confused Words