Meaning & Definition of word "Skin"

Skin

/skɪn/

noun:

  • 1. The thin layer of tissue on the outside of the body.
    • Example: The sun can cause damage to the skin if not properly protected.
  • 2. The outer layer of a fruit or vegetable.
    • Example: I prefer to eat apples with the skin on for added fiber.
  • 3. A covering or outer layer.
    • Example: The skin of the drum produced a rich, vibrant sound.

verb:

  • 1. To remove the skin from a fruit, vegetable, or animal.
    • Example: Please skin the potatoes before boiling them.
  • 2. To strip or remove the covering from something.
    • Example: He skinned the old bookshelf to refinish the wood.

Etymology

Old Norse 'skinn', related to the act of shedding.

Common Phrases and Expressions

skin deep:

Superficial; not deep or profound.

to skin someone alive:

To scold or chastise someone severely.

to save one's skin:

To avoid danger or harm.

Related Words

epidermis:

The outer layer of skin.

dermatology:

The branch of medicine dealing with the skin and its diseases.

cutaneous:

Of, on, or affecting the skin.

Slang Meanings of skin

Meaning: To get under someone's skin.

Example Sentence: That song really gets under my skin.

Meaning: Skin as a synonym for a person's appearance.

Example Sentence: She has great skin; it looks so healthy!