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skin

When used to describe the body's covering, 'skin' is usually an uncountable noun (e.g., "Skin care is important"). However, it can be countable when referring to specific types or animals (e.g., "The snake shed its skin"). As a verb, 'skin' is most commonly used in the context of accidents (like falling) or food preparation. Be careful not to confuse it with 'peel', although they are similar; 'skin' often implies removing the entire outer layer of an animal or fruit.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Maya is at a pharmacy while Jackson is lounging at home.
Jackson

I totally wiped out on my board. My skin is practically gone.

Jackson
Maya
Maya

Stop being dramatic and just put some ointment on it.

💡
Jackson uses 'wiped out' as slang for falling violently while skateboarding. He uses 'skin' to refer to the damaged tissue of his body (Definition 1), though he exaggerates the severity, which prompts Maya's characteristically blunt and dismissive response.

Meanings

noun

The thin layer of tissue forming the natural outer covering of the body of a person or animal.

"She has very sensitive skin that burns easily in the sun."

noun

The outer layer of a fruit, vegetable, or similar object.

"You should peel the skin off the apple before eating it."

verb (transitive)

To remove the skin from something, such as an animal or a piece of fruit.

"The hunter began to skin the deer immediately after the kill."

verb (transitive)

To scrape or graze the skin off a part of the body through friction.

"He fell off his bike and skinned his knee."

Last Updated: May 22, 2026Report an Error