What does integumentary mean?
Integumentary means relating to the integument, an organism's natural external covering. In zoology, the integument may include the skin and associated structures such as hair, scales, feathers, glands, and other appendages, so the adjective is often used when describing the form or function of an animal's outer boundary. For example, integumentary glands may secrete protective or sensory substances. In botany, it has a more specialized application to the membranes surrounding an ovule, which contribute to the seed coat. The term is chiefly scientific and is much less common in everyday speech than skin or outer covering. Its usefulness lies in distinguishing the covering itself and its structures from internal tissues or organs, especially in anatomical comparisons among animals.
adjectiveRelating to or constituting the integument, the natural outer covering of an organism. In zoology, it refers to the skin and structures associated with it; in botany, it refers to the integument or covering of an ovule.
- Relating to the skin or other natural outer covering of an organism.
- Relating to the integument or protective covering of an ovule in botany.
"The amphibian's integumentary glands help protect its moist skin from drying out."
"Reptiles have an integumentary covering of scales that limits water loss."
"Each ovule is surrounded by one or two integumentary layers that later form the seed coat."
Integumentary is the scientific word for everything that forms an animal's outermost boundary, including skin, hair, scales, feathers, and their associated glands.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does integumentary come from?
The word derives from Latin integumentum, meaning “a covering,” which was formed from the prefix in- and tegere, “to cover.” The English adjective was developed with the suffix -ary and relates to the English noun integument. Tegument and tegumentary are older or variant forms connected with the same Latin source.
How integumentary is actually used
Primarily a technical term used in zoology, anatomy, comparative anatomy, and botany. It is uncommon in general conversation, where skin or outer covering is usually more natural.
Easily confused with integumentary
An integument is the outer covering itself, while integumentary is an adjective describing that covering or something related to it.