Meaning & use
outer layer
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Meanings
nouncountable
The surface part of something that is built up in layers, which lies furthest from the center or touches the outside.
Grammar: Usually a countable noun with the: the outer layer of an onion.
Patterns
- the outer layer of something
- peel away the outer layer
Peel off the outer layer of the onion before slicing it.
The outer layer of the skin is made of dead cells that constantly flake off.
Dust had settled on the outer layer of the old paint.
nouncountableinformal
The clothing worn over other garments to keep out the cold or rain.
Grammar: Often used in talk about dressing for the weather: add an outer layer.
Patterns
- wear an outer layer
- add an outer layer
Bring a waterproof outer layer in case it rains on the hike.
A fleece makes a good outer layer on cool evenings.
She took off her outer layer as soon as she came inside.
Word forms
| plural | outer layers |
|---|
Common combinations
- the outer layer of the skin
- Sunburn damages the outer layer of the skin.
- peel off the outer layer
- Peel off the outer layer of the cabbage and rinse the rest.
- protective outer layer
- The seed has a hard, protective outer layer.
- waterproof outer layer
- A waterproof outer layer is essential for the trip.
- outer layer of the atmosphere
- Satellites orbit above the outer layer of the atmosphere.
Synonyms and how they differ
- surface
- Surface names only the very top face, while outer layer implies a thickness that could be peeled or worn away.
- shell
- A shell is a hard covering, whereas an outer layer can be soft, thin or flexible.
- outside
- Outside is a general position and does not suggest there are inner layers underneath.
Opposites
Word family
- outermost adjective
- furthest from the center
- layer noun
- a level or thickness of material
- layered adjective
- made up of several layers
Commonly confused: outer layer or outer shell?
outer layer vs outer shell
An outer shell is a hard covering, as on a nut or a spacecraft; an outer layer may be any covering, hard or soft.
Practice
Which phrase best completes the sentence: Cut away the ___ of the apple that is bruised.
Choose one answer.
The outer layer is the part on the outside, which is where bruised skin and flesh would be cut away. Inner core and center refer to the middle.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “outer layer”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.