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

These skin changes also affect the scalp and hair follicles. —Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 22 May 2025

Nails share similarities in structure to hair follicles. —Ruth Jessen Hickman, Health, 16 May 2025

Moreover, since fewer hair follicles means more exposure of the skin to the environment, humanity’s move from furry to smooth could’ve also meant a transition towards thicker (and thus slower-healing) skin, as more skin may take more time to heal. —Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 1 May 2025

Why Tight Hairstyles Cause Hair Loss Tight hairstyles such as ponytails, braids, cornrows and buns can contribute to a condition known as traction—a form of gradual hair loss caused by constant tension on the hair follicles. —Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hair follicle

• diabolical
• symbolical

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