squamous

adjective

squa·​mous ˈskwā-məs How to pronounce squamous (audio)
 also  ˈskwä-
1
a
: covered with or consisting of scales : scaly
b
: of, relating to, or being a stratified epithelium that consists at least in its outer layers of small scalelike cells
2
: resembling a scale or plate in structure
especially : of, relating to, or being either the thin anterior upper portion of the temporal bone, the vertical portion of the frontal bone forming the forehead, or the curved expanded portion of the occipital bone behind the foramen magnum

Examples of squamous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Melanoma, for example, is more common among lighter skinned people, while squamous is more common among those with darker complexions. Beth Sobol, Allure, 29 Nov. 2023 Skin cancers basal and squamous command $90,000, prostate cancer $200,000, and all other varieties such as melanoma and leukemia $250,000. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 26 July 2023 So, squamous mucosa is considered the normal lining of the inside of the lip. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 15 Feb. 2023 Fittingly, it’s been a team effort for the Rivera family, navigating life after Ron was diagnosed in August with squamous-cell cancer detected in a lymph node. Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 25 Nov. 2020 The biopsy showed that the sperm bags of the squid had thrust into the squamous epithelium of the patient. Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 19 June 2012 Still, squamous cells are found almost everywhere in the body. Lisa Sanders, M.d., New York Times, 29 Sep. 2022 In the 1980s, Dougan developed squamous skin cancer and spent almost a year at the City of Hope cancer treatment center. New York Times, 21 Apr. 2021 Rivera, 58, who grew up in Seaside and was an All-America linebacker at Cal, successfully finished seven weeks of chemotherapy and proton radiation treatment in late October for squamous-cell cancer in his throat. Eric Branch, SFChronicle.com, 10 Dec. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'squamous.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin squamosus, from squama scale

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of squamous was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near squamous

Cite this Entry

“Squamous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squamous. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

squamous

adjective
squa·​mous ˈskwā-məs How to pronounce squamous (audio)
ˈskwä-
: of, relating to, or being an epithelium that consists at least in its outer layers of small flattened scalelike cells

Medical Definition

squamous

adjective
squa·​mous ˈskwā-məs How to pronounce squamous (audio)
1
a
: covered with or consisting of scales
b
: of, relating to, or being a stratified epithelium that consists at least in its outer layers of small scalelike cells
The epidermis is a stratified squamous epithelium forming the barrier that excludes harmful microbes and retains body fluids.Terry Lechler et al., Nature
2
: resembling a scale or plate
especially : of, relating to, or being the thin anterior upper portion of the temporal bone

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