adjective
squamous
SKWAY-mus/skwˈeɪmʌs/
Thin and flat like a scale.
The overlapping scales form a thin, flat, squamous covering.
Etymology
A squama was a fish or reptile’s scale, making the adjective literally “having scales.” The selected meaning emphasizes resemblance to an individual scale’s thin, flat shape rather than a covering of scales.
In context
the squamous cell is a flattened cell and in two Dimensions it's just like if you drop an egg
More examples
- Squamous cells form the surface layer inside your cheek.
- The report describes a thin layer of squamous epithelium.
- The diagram shows squamous cells lying flat beside one another.
Forms
squamous
Similar words
- scale-like
- Suggests resemblance to scales without necessarily specifying thinness or flatness.
- flat
- Describes shape without necessarily implying thinness or resemblance to scales.