integument

noun

in·​teg·​u·​ment in-ˈte-gyə-mənt 

: something that covers or encloses

especially : an enveloping layer (such as a skin, membrane, or cuticle) of an organism or one of its parts

Examples of integument in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Nevertheless, this study’s findings are among the first evidence that environmental sources of sulfur — such as the soil — can profoundly influence the color of integument like fur or feathers. —Grrlscientist, Forbes, 18 Apr. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Latin integumentum, from integere to cover, from in- + tegere to cover — more at thatch

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

integument

noun

in·​teg·​u·​ment in-ˈteg-yə-mənt 

: something that covers or encloses

especially : an outer enclosing layer (as a skin, membrane, or cuticle) of a living thing or one of its parts

integumentary

(ˌ)in-ˌteg-yə-ˈment-ə-rē 

-ˈmen-trē

adjective

Medical Definition

integument

noun

in·​teg·​u·​ment in-ˈteg-yə-mənt 

: an enveloping layer (as a skin, membrane, or husk) of an organism or one of its parts

integumentary

-ˈment-ə-rē, -ˈmen-trē 

adjective