the outer layer of cells of the embryo of placental mammals, which is attached to the uterus wall and absorbs nourishment from the uterine fluids
Derived forms
trophoblastic (ˌtrophoˈblastic)
adjective
Word origin
C19: from tropho- + -blast
trophoblast in American English
(ˈtrɑfəˌblæst)
noun
a layer of nutritive ectoderm outside the blastoderm, by which the fertilized ovum is attached to the uterine wall and the developing embryo receives its nourishment