ECTODERM - Definition

Pronunciation:		'ektu`durm
WordNet Dictionary

	Definition:	[n] the outer germ layer that develops into skin and nervous tissue

	Synonyms:	ectoblast, exoderm

	See Also:	germ layer, neural tube

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

	Definition:	\Ec"to*derm\, n. [Ecto- + -derm.] (Biol.) (a) The outer layer of the blastoderm; epiblast. (b) The external skin or outer layer of an animal or plant, this being formed in an animal from the epiblast. See Illust. of {Blastoderm}.

Biology Dictionary

	Definition:	The outermost layer of tissue in a developing animal embryo which will eventually become the skin and/or other outer surface of the organism, the outermost parts of the nervous system, and various other outer and external organs, structures, and systems (depends on the organism). Occurs in all animals except for sponges and placozoans.