hair follicle

noun

: the tubular epithelial sheath that surrounds the lower part of the hair shaft and encloses at the bottom a vascular papilla supplying the growing basal part of the hair with nourishment see hair illustration

Examples of hair follicle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Dermatophytes only grow in keratin-producing structures like hair follicles and nails.2 Proximal subungual onychomycosis (PSO) is also caused by dermatophytes. —Sarah Bradley, Health, 19 May 2024

Grande Cosmetics Lash Enhancing Serum It’s packed with powerful ingredients, like peptides, amino acids, and hyaluronic acid, that work together to nourish and coat individual hair follicles. —Taylor Jean Stephan, Peoplemag, 16 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

hair follicle

noun

: the tube-shaped sheath surrounding the lower part of a hair shaft

Medical Definition

hair follicle

noun

: the tubular epithelial sheath that surrounds the lower part of the hair shaft and encloses at the bottom a vascular papilla supplying the growing basal part of the hair with nourishment