squamous

adjective

squa·​mous ˈskwā-məs How to pronounce squamous (audio)
also ˈskwä-
Synonyms of squamousnext
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

Synonyms of squamous

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Examples of squamous in a Sentence

a squamous plant bulb
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Other biopsies of squamous skin cancers have not detected HPV, meaning not all cases are caused by the viruses. — Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 30 July 2025 Summit plans to report progression-free survival results from squamous patients in the global Harmoni-3 trial in the second half of this year. — Angelica Peebles, CNBC, 31 May 2026 This includes cancers of the lip, mouth, upper throat (nasopharyngeal), middle throat (oropharyngeal), lower throat (hypopharyngeal), voice box (laryngeal), salivary gland and metastatic squamous neck cancer. — Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026 Coulier was diagnosed with P16 squamous carcinoma, a type of head and neck cancer, when doctors noticed a flare-up on the base of his tongue during a routine check-up and PET scan. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for squamous

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

Phrases Containing squamous

Rhymes for squamous

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Browse Nearby Words

squamosity
squamous
squamous cell
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Cite this Entry

“Squamous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squamous. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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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