cuticle

noun

cu·​ti·​cle ˈkyü-ti-kəl 

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

kyu̇-ˈti-kyə-lər 

adjective

Examples of cuticle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Liquid protein and provitamin B5 help fill in over-porous areas of the cuticle, making hair smoother, less prone to breakage, and easier to style. —Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 31 Dec. 2025

Nail clippers, metal files, cuticle pushers, and other tools are all dishwasher-safe. —Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Dec. 2025

The products inside — Cécred’s shampoo and conditioner mentioned above, plus its cuticle-sealing, frizz-fighting Moisture Sealing Lotion — will contribute to more salon-level hair days in your life. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 27 Dec. 2025

This tone-correcting conditioner is infused with ArganID Technology, which repairs and seals the cuticles. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 26 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin cuticula, diminutive of cutis skin — more at hide

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for cuticle

• hermeneutical
• pharmaceutical
• radiopharmaceutical

Kids Definition

cuticle

noun

cu·​ti·​cle ˈkyüt-i-kəl 

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 

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

kyu̇-ˈtik-yə-lər 

adjective