hair follicle

noun

: the tubular epithelial sheath that surrounds the lower part of the hair shaft and encloses at the bottom a vascular papilla supplying the growing basal part of the hair with nourishment see hair illustration

Examples of hair follicle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As a matter of fact, oily scalps can actually lead to scalp acne, which happens when hair follicles on your scalp become blocked with oil and dead skin cells, causing inflammation and infection. —Kristine Thomason, Glamour, 9 Dec. 2024

Oil glands, or sebaceous glands, are usually connected to hair follicles and secrete an oily substance called sebum that moisturizes your skin and hair. —Carley Millhone, Health, 19 Oct. 2024

In one case, only the hair follicle test was ordered based on the parent falling asleep during the day, forgetting to pick the child up from school. —Patricia Fersch, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024

The trio, working in tandem with a blend of 30 essential oils and extracts, comes together to condition hair follicles, relieve dry scalp, smooth split ends, and enhance hair elasticity. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 20 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

hair follicle

noun

: the tube-shaped sheath surrounding the lower part of a hair shaft

Medical Definition

hair follicle

noun

: the tubular epithelial sheath that surrounds the lower part of the hair shaft and encloses at the bottom a vascular papilla supplying the growing basal part of the hair with nourishment