corneocyte

noun

cor·​neo·​cyte ˈkȯr-nē-ə-ˌsīt How to pronounce corneocyte (audio)
plural corneocytes
: a terminally differentiated, anucleate, flattened, dead keratinocyte that is filled mostly with keratin filaments, has an insoluble envelope of cross-linked proteins, is connected to other corneocytes by desmosomes, and is embedded in a lipid bilayer matrix in the skin's stratum corneum
… the structure of the stratum corneum is analogous to that of a brick wall, with corneocyte "bricks" held in place by the extracellular matrix "mortar" …Peter M. Elias et al.
Depending on their skin type, patients receive either a lotion or cream formulation for at-home use to help diminish corneocyte cohesion, prevent re-thickening of the stratum corneum, and stimulate collagen development.Cheryl Guttman

Note: The process by which a keratinocyte is converted to a corneocyte is known as cornification.

Word History

Etymology

corne- (in stratum corneum) + -o- + -cyte

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of corneocyte was in 1969

Dictionary Entries Near corneocyte

Cite this Entry

“Corneocyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corneocyte. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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