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
Examples of follicle in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Many conditioners, masks, and repair products list peptides on the label, but these are formulated for the strand itself, not the follicle.
—
Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2025
Ceramides and 5% capixyl are the finishing touches for boosting overall hair anchorage at the follicle.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 26 Aug. 2025
Red-light therapy devices for hair growth are some of the most promising noninvasive tools for targeting hair loss, with research showing that wavelengths around 650 nanometers can stimulate follicles, increase blood flow, and energize scalp cells.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 25 Aug. 2025
The follicle was trimmed off of each strand of hair and stored in a vial, then placed on ice and couriered to the lab.
—Jessica Ourisman, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for follicle
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Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2025
Ceramides and 5% capixyl are the finishing touches for boosting overall hair anchorage at the follicle.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 26 Aug. 2025
Red-light therapy devices for hair growth are some of the most promising noninvasive tools for targeting hair loss, with research showing that wavelengths around 650 nanometers can stimulate follicles, increase blood flow, and energize scalp cells.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 25 Aug. 2025
The follicle was trimmed off of each strand of hair and stored in a vial, then placed on ice and couriered to the lab.
—Jessica Ourisman, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for follicle
Cite this Entry
“Follicle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/follicle. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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)
2
: a dry one-celled fruit (as in the milkweed) that splits open by one seam when ripe
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
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