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

Many shampoos with harsh chemicals strip your natural oils and weaken your hair’s bonds, leading to damaged cuticles. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 Oct. 2024

This happens when the pathogens cross through the breaks or ruptures in the barrier between the nail and nail fold, or cuticle, caused by the hangnail.4 Staphylococcus aureus, a skin bacteria, is the most common cause of acute hangnail infections. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 9 Oct. 2024

Coconut oil works well as a natural makeup remover, lip balm, and even cuticle cream. —Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 20 Sep. 2024

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

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