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

It’s also formulated with mixed molecular weight hyaluronic acid to deliver moisture deeply into the hair follicles for extra nourishment. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2025

This is when a person’s body attacks their hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss. —Julia Sullivan, SELF, 22 Jan. 2025

During this phase, the bottom of the hair follicle expands and produces the fibers, which will become strands of hair. —Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 13 Jan. 2025

This sustainable shampoo is formulated with juniper berry extract to help detoxify hair follicles, while maintaining the optimal balance of oil and moisture. —Kristine Thomason, Glamour, 9 Dec. 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