perionychium

noun

peri·​onych·​i·​um ˌper-ē-ō-ˈni-kē-əm 

plural perionychia ˌper-ē-ō-ˈni-kē-ə 

: the tissue bordering the root and sides of a fingernail or toenail

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from peri- + Greek onych-, onyx nail — more at nail

First Known Use

circa 1879, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

perionychium

noun

peri·​onych·​i·​um ˌper-ē-ō-ˈnik-ē-əm 

plural perionychia -ē-ə 

: the tissue bordering the sides of a fingernail or toenail