follicle

noun

fol·​li·​cle ˈfä-li-kəl 

1

a

: a small anatomical cavity or deep narrow-mouthed depression

b

: a small lymph node

c

: a vesicle in the mammalian ovary that contains a developing egg surrounded by a covering of cells

especially : graafian follicle

2

: a dry dehiscent one-celled many-seeded fruit (as of the milkweed) that has a single carpel and opens along one suture

follicular

fə-ˈli-kyə-lər 

fä-

adjective

Examples of follicle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Shampoo Without washing, sebum, the natural oil that protects the hair and follicles, can build up and attract dust and dirt. —Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 1 Dec. 2024

These formulas support the scalp and nurture the follicles to bring you one step closer to thicker, healthier hair. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 23 Oct. 2024

Your ovaries might become more extensive, as many follicles containing immature eggs may develop around the edge of the ovary. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 17 Sep. 2024

This subtype causes follicle scarring and permanent hair loss in the front of the scalp and sometimes in the eyebrows. —Corey Whelan, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin folliculus, from Latin, diminutive of follis bag — more at fool

First Known Use

1715, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing follicle

• follicle mite
• follicle-stimulating hormone
• graafian follicle
• hair follicle

Kids Definition

follicle

noun

fol·​li·​cle ˈfäl-i-kəl 

1

a

: a small cavity or a deep bodily depression with a narrow mouth (as one from which a hair grows)

b

: graafian follicle

2

: a dry one-celled fruit (as in the milkweed) that splits open by one seam when ripe

follicular

fə-ˈlik-yə-lər 

fä-

adjective

Medical Definition

follicle

noun

fol·​li·​cle ˈfäl-i-kəl 

1

: a small anatomical cavity or deep narrow-mouthed depression

especially : a small simple or slightly branched gland : crypt

2

: a small lymph node

3

: a vesicle in the mammalian ovary that contains a developing egg surrounded by a covering of cells : ovarian follicle

especially : graafian follicle

follicular

fə-ˈlik-yə-lər, fä- 

adjective