noun
- The outermost layer of cells in the root of a plant, lying just beneath the epidermis and functioning in protection and water absorption.
Usage: botany; technical
Examples
- The exodermis of the root helps protect the inner tissues from damage.
- In many plants, the exodermis develops suberized cell walls that reduce water loss.
- The exodermis replaces the epidermis in older roots as the outer layer matures.
- Botanists study the exodermis to understand how plants absorb water and minerals from soil.