mesoderm

noun

me·​so·​derm ˈme-zə-ˌdərm How to pronounce mesoderm (audio)
ˈmē-,
-sə- How to pronounce mesoderm (audio)
: the middle of the three primary germ layers of an embryo that is the source of many bodily tissues and structures (such as bone, muscle, connective tissue, and dermis)
broadly : tissue derived from this germ layer
mesodermal
ˌme-zə-ˈdər-məl How to pronounce mesoderm (audio)
ˌmē-
-sə-
adjective

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mesoderm was in 1873

Rhymes for mesoderm

See All Rhymes for mesoderm

Browse Nearby Words

mesode
mesoderm
Mesodesma
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mesoderm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mesoderm. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

mesoderm

noun
me·​so·​derm ˈmez-ə-ˌdərm How to pronounce mesoderm (audio) ˈmēz- How to pronounce mesoderm (audio)
ˈmēs-,
ˈmes-
: the middle layer of cells of an embryonic animal from which most of the muscular, skeletal, and connective tissues develop
also : tissue derived from this layer
mesodermal
ˌmez-ə-ˈdər-məl How to pronounce mesoderm (audio)
ˌmēz-
ˌmēs-
ˌmes-
adjective

Medical Definition

mesoderm

noun
me·​so·​derm ˈmez-ə-ˌdərm How to pronounce mesoderm (audio) ˈmēz- How to pronounce mesoderm (audio) ˈmēs- How to pronounce mesoderm (audio)
ˈmes-
: the middle of the three primary germ layers of an embryo that is the source especially of bone, muscle, connective tissue, and dermis
broadly : tissue derived from this germ layer
mesodermal
ˌmez-ə-ˈdər-məl How to pronounce mesoderm (audio) ˌmēz- How to pronounce mesoderm (audio)
ˌmēs-
ˌmes-
adjective
also mesodermic
-ˈdər-mik How to pronounce mesoderm (audio)
mesodermally
-ē How to pronounce mesoderm (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on mesoderm

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mesoderm

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