Ep`i*der"mis (?), n. [L., fr. Gr. ; over + skin, fr. to skin. See Tear, v. t.]

1. Anat.

The outer, nonsensitive layer of the skin; cuticle; scarfskin. See Dermis.

2. Bot.

The outermost layer of the cells, which covers both surfaces of leaves, and also the surface of stems, when they are first formed. As stems grow old this layer is lost, and never replaced.

© Webster 1913.