Main Entry: cu·ti·cle

Pronunciation: \ˈkyü-ti-kəl\

Function: noun

Etymology: Latin cuticula, diminutive of cutis skin — more at hide

Date: 1615

1 : an outer covering layer: 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

— cu·tic·u·lar \kyu̇-ˈti-kyə-lər\ adjective