derma

The combining form -derma is used like a suffix representing the derma. The derma, also known as the dermis, is the dense inner layer of skin beneath the epidermis, which is the outermost (and thinner) part of the skin that we can see.

The form -derma is specifically used to name skin disorders and is used in many medical terms, especially in pathology. It ultimately comes from the Greek dérma, meaning “skin.”

As you may have already guessed, the Greek dérma is the source of the word derma itself. The word derma is sometimes used like a prefix or directly combined with other word forms, as in dermatherm and dermatome.

The combining form -derma is closely related to other combining forms dealing with various senses of “skin,” including -derm, -dermatous, -dermis, dermato-, dermat-, dermo-, and derm-.

Other variants of dermat- and dermato- are dermo- and derm-. Closely related to dermato- are the combining forms -derm, -derma, -dermatous, and -dermis. Learn more about their specific applications at our Words That Use articles for the forms.

One example of a medical term that features the combining form –derma is scleroderma, a disease where the connective tissue in the body becomes hardened and rigid.

The first part of the word, sclero-, means “hard.” The second part of the word, –derma, refers to a disease of the skin. Scleroderma literally translates to “hard skin disease.”

What are some words that use the combining form –derma?

• bromoderma
• hypoderma
• keratoderma
• leukoderma (formed in New Latin)
• melanoderma
• pachyderma
• poikiloderma
• pyoderma
• xanthoderma
• xeroderma

What are some other forms that –derma may be commonly confused with?

• demi-
• demo-
• demon-
• dendr-
• dento-
• spermat-
• sperm-

Given that pachy- means “thick,” what does the medical condition of pachyderma involve?