The thin layer of tissue that covers the outside of a person or animal’s body. It protects you, helps control your temperature, and lets you feel touch, heat, and pain.
“Skin” comes from Old Norse “skinn,” meaning “animal hide” or “fur,” which entered English through Viking influence. It is related to words about covering and peeling. Over time, English used it for both human and animal outer coverings.
Your skin is your largest organ, not just a “cover.” It quietly does high‑tech work: waterproofing, repairing, sensing, and even making vitamin D from sunlight. The word sounds simple, but the thing it names is a full‑time security and communication system.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.