cuticle

noun

cu·​ti·​cle ˈkyü-ti-kəl 

1

: an outer covering layer: such as

a

: an external envelope (as of an insect) secreted usually by epidermal cells

b

: the outermost layer of animal integument composed of epidermis

c

: a thin continuous fatty or waxy film on the external surface of many higher plants that consists chiefly of cutin

d

: the outermost membranous layer of a hair consisting of overlapping scales of epithelial cells

2

: dead or horny epidermis (such as that surrounding the base and sides of a fingernail)

cuticular

kyu̇-ˈti-kyə-lər 

adjective

Examples of cuticle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Each nail kit contains 30 varying nail sizes, a prep pad, mini nail file and a manicure stick for pushing back your cuticles. —Maya Gandara, StyleCaster, 17 Sep. 2024

Salt Spray Salt affects a hair strand by actively lifting away the cuticle, the outermost layer that protects your hair shaft from the elements. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 10 July 2024

This gives you time to add back lots of moisture to the nail and surrounding skin via a cuticle oil or even just plain old hand cream, Dr. Ibrahim says. —Melanie Rud, SELF, 24 Oct. 2024

Following aftercare advice like using cuticle oil regularly, not picking off your gels, or wearing gloves when cleaning and [doing the dishes], is also important, Elias adds. —Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, 23 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin cuticula, diminutive of cutis skin — more at hide

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

cuticle

noun

cu·​ti·​cle ˈkyüt-i-kəl 

1

: an outer layer (as of skin or a leaf) often produced by the cells beneath

2

: a dead or horny layer of skin especially around a fingernail

Medical Definition

cuticle

noun

cu·​ti·​cle ˈkyüt-i-kəl 

1

: an outer covering layer: as

a

: the outermost layer of integument composed of epidermis

b

: the outermost membranous layer of a hair consisting of cornified epithelial cells

2

: dead or horny epidermis (as that surrounding the base and sides of a fingernail or toenail)

cuticular

kyu̇-ˈtik-yə-lər 

adjective