stratum corneum

noun stratum cor·ne·um \-ˈkȯr-nē-əm\

Definition of STRATUM CORNEUM

: the outer part of the epidermis consisting chiefly of layers of dead flattened nonnucleated cells filled with keratin

New Latin, literally, horny layer

First Known Use: circa 1860

Medical Dictionary

noun

plural strata cornea

: the outer more or less horny part of the epidermis consisting chiefly of layers of dead flattened nonnucleated cells filled with keratin

Next Word in the Dictionary: stratusPrevious Word in the Dictionary: stratumAll Words Near: stratum corneum

What made you want to look up stratum corneum? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears