1. the outer protective layers of bark in woody plants, consisting of cork cells and other tissues
Usage: botanical term; plural form

Examples

• The periderms of oak trees become thicker and more furrowed with age.
• Botanists study how periderms protect trees from environmental damage.
• The cork used in wine bottles comes from the periderms of cork oak trees.
• Different tree species develop distinct patterns in their periderms.
• Fire-resistant periderms help some trees survive forest fires.
• The microscopic structure of periderms reveals layers of dead cork cells.