subepidermal

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌsʌbˌɛpɪˈdɜːrməl/

KK: /sʌbˌɛpɪˈdɜrməl/

adjective

Definition

Located beneath the outer layer of skin.

Example

The doctor examined the subepidermal tissue for any signs of infection.

Conversation

Did you know there are subepidermal layers of skin that help with healing?

Really? I had no idea there was more than just the surface.

Yeah, those subepidermal layers play a big role in how our skin repairs itself.

That makes sense! Skin is more complex than it looks.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

dermal

hypodermic

subcutaneous

Antonyms

epidermal

superficial

external

Root Explanation

Subepidermal → It is formed from "sub-" (meaning under) and "epidermis" (from Greek "epi-" meaning upon and "derma" meaning skin). The word describes something that is located under the outer layer of skin.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'under' ('sub-') the 'skin' ('epidermis') — that's why subepidermal refers to the layer beneath the skin.

Visually Confused Words

subdermal