Skin: meaning, definitions and examples

General term for the outer layer of a human's or animal's body. Commonly used when talking about the appearance, texture, or health of this layer.

• Her skin is so smooth
• It's important to protect your skin from the sun

Scientific or medical term for the outermost layer of skin, above the dermis. Used in scientific, medical, or anatomical discussions about skin structures.

• The epidermis is where new skin cells are produced
• Burns affecting the epidermis can be very painful

Scientific or medical term describing the layer of skin beneath the epidermis. Usually used in anatomy, dermatology, or scientific contexts.

• The dermis contains connective tissue and blood vessels
• Doctors study the dermis to understand skin conditions

Refers to the soft tissue of the body beneath the skin, including muscle and fat. Used in more descriptive or sometimes dramatic contexts, occasionally with a slight negative or gruesome connotation.

• The knife cut through the flesh easily
• Zombies are often depicted as craving human flesh in horror movies

Use when referring to removing the outer layer of an animal or even certain fruits and vegetables like a tomato or potato.

• She skinned the rabbit before cooking it
• The recipe says to skin the tomatoes

Commonly used when removing the outer layer of fruits and vegetables, typically those with a thin or easily removable skin.

• She peeled the oranges for the salad
• Can you peel the carrots for me?

Used when carefully trimming away the outer layer of something, usually with precision, often related to fruits or vegetables.

• He pared the apple before eating it
• Make sure to pare the potatoes thinly

Typically used when removing the outer covering of items like corn or shellfish.

• He shucked the corn before grilling
• The oysters need to be shucked carefully