cuticle

noun

cu·​ti·​cle ˈkyü-ti-kəl How to pronounce cuticle (audio)
1
: an outer covering layer: such as
a
: an external envelope (as of an insect) secreted usually by epidermal cells
b
: the outermost layer of animal integument composed of epidermis
c
: a thin continuous fatty or waxy film on the external surface of many higher plants that consists chiefly of cutin
d
: the outermost membranous layer of a hair consisting of overlapping scales of epithelial cells
2
: dead or horny epidermis (such as that surrounding the base and sides of a fingernail)
cuticular adjective

Examples of cuticle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web What Could Be Better The brush isn’t the best for painting right at your cuticles. Addie Morton, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2024 My cuticles also looked softer and the skin around my nails completely stopped peeling. Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 3 Jan. 2024 While Nuxe could be considered an investment product, those interested in saving their cuticles can get similar results with something like Saviland’s Cuticle Oil. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 23 Nov. 2023 Salons also offer a form of therapy where, collectively, people can grieve and process their trauma while getting their brows groomed and cuticles trimmed. Sophia Panych, Allure, 22 Feb. 2024 Protects hair color Another benefit to smoothie and protecting the cuticle? Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 5 Dec. 2023 This frequent hand-washing, though necessary, dries out your hands and cuticles and leaves your skin prone to cracking. Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 18 Dec. 2023 Using a wooden cuticle stick, gently scrape away the product. Iman Balagam, ELLE, 22 Aug. 2023 With both extension options, my nails (and cuticles) look neat and uniform for weeks longer than a traditional polish or gel manicure. Olivia Muenter, Allure, 8 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cuticle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin cuticula, diminutive of cutis skin — more at hide

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cuticle was in 1615

Dictionary Entries Near cuticle

Cite this Entry

“Cuticle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cuticle. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

cuticle

noun
cu·​ti·​cle ˈkyüt-i-kəl How to pronounce cuticle (audio)
1
: an outer layer (as of skin or a leaf) often produced by the cells beneath
2
: a dead or horny layer of skin especially around a fingernail

Medical Definition

cuticle

noun
cu·​ti·​cle ˈkyüt-i-kəl How to pronounce cuticle (audio)
1
: an outer covering layer: as
a
: the outermost layer of integument composed of epidermis
b
: the outermost membranous layer of a hair consisting of cornified epithelial cells
2
: dead or horny epidermis (as that surrounding the base and sides of a fingernail or toenail)
cuticular adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on cuticle

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