Definition & Meaning: Ecto- Word Root
- Ecto: Outer
- Derm: Skin
- Ectoderm: Outermost layer of the cells underlying the embryo
Example Sentence: There is some evidence that in this group the ectoderm of the oesophagus is chiefly concerned with digestion.
Words Based on the Ecto- Word Root
Commonly Used Words Based on the Ecto- Word Root
- Ectoderm: The outermost layer of cells or tissue of an embryo in early development, or the parts derived from this, which include the epidermis, nerve tissue, and nephridia.
- Ectomorph: A person with a lean and delicate build of body.
- Ectoparasite: A parasite, such as a flea, that lives on the outside of its host.
- Ectoplasm: The more viscous, clear outer layer of the cytoplasm in amoeboid cells.
- Ectotherm: An animal that is dependent on external sources of body heat.
Archaic Words Based on the Ecto- Word Root:
- Ectozoa: Any animal parasite, as the louse, that lives on the surface of its host (opposed to entozoon).
Technical Words/Jargon Based on the Ecto- Word Root
- Ectomere: Any of the blastomeres that later develop into ectoderm.
- Ectopia: A displacement or malposition of an organ or other body part, which is then referred to as ectopic.
- Ectotrophic: Growing outside the root or between the cells.
- Ectoantigen: Any antigen that is attached to the outside of a bacterium.
- Ectocardia: A congenital displacement of the heart.
- Ectophyte: Any plant that lives as a parasite on the surface of another organism.
- Ectocornea: The outer layer of the cornea.
Related Word Roots
Exploring related word roots offers further insights into the linguistic tapestry of English:
- Exo-: Meaning “outside” or “external.”
- Exoskeleton: An external skeleton that supports and protects an animal’s body.
- Exogenous: Originating from outside an organism.
- Extra-: Meaning “beyond” or “outside.”
- Extraterrestrial: Of or from outside the earth or its atmosphere.
- Extraneous: Irrelevant or unrelated to the subject being dealt with.
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