skin

outer layer / integument / peel / remove skin

Transitive Verb[C/U] Both

pl: skinspast: skinnedpp: skinneding: skinning

The word evokes the concept of a protective boundary or an outer shell. In biological contexts, it suggests vulnerability and sensitivity, as it is the primary interface between a living being and its environment. When applied to food, it refers to a disposable or peelable layer, often contrasting with the softer interior (the pulp or flesh). As a verb, the word carries two distinct emotional weights: one of clinical or utilitarian precision (skinning an animal for leather/meat) and one of sudden, sharp pain (skinning a knee). The latter is almost always associated with childhood accidents and superficial friction burns.

Uncountable when referring to the general biological tissue covering a body ('Your skin is glowing'). Countable when referring to the peel of a specific fruit or a hide used for leather ('The potato skins are crispy' or 'a deer skin').

💬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.

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

Nounouter layer

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."

Nounintegument

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

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

Transitive Verbpeel

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."

Transitive Verbremove skin

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

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

Examples

The baby has very soft skin.

The thick skin of the orange protects the fruit.

The chef had to skin the rabbit before cooking it.

The child skinned his elbow during the fall.

Collocations & Compounds

dry skin

skin that lacks moisture

She uses a heavy moisturizer to treat her dry skin.

skin care

the practice of maintaining skin health

A consistent skin care routine can prevent premature aging.

skin graft

transplanting skin to a wound

The patient required a skin graft to heal the severe burn.

skin deep

superficial or not profound

Their friendship was only skin deep and ended quickly.

smooth skin

skin with a fine texture

The baby has incredibly smooth skin.

Phrasal Verbs

skin off

to remove the outer layer

You need to skin off the peel before cooking the potato.

Last Updated: June 9, 2026•Report an Error