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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
In addition, lips lack other skin features, such as hair follicles, sweat glands and sebaceous glands that provide extra moisture or oils.
—Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, CNN, 7 Apr. 2024
When massaged onto the scalp, these oils increase blood flow and stimulate the hair follicles, which can help hair grow.
—Jenn Barthole, Glamour, 29 Mar. 2024
Genetics | Stress | Tight hairstyles | Styling habits | Dandruff | Inflamed hair follicles | Hormone fluctuations | Autoimmune disorders
1.
—Krissy Brady, SELF, 5 Mar. 2024
But Vaughn said hair loss can even result from a scar, which destroys the hair follicles.
—Journal Sentinel, 16 Feb. 2024
Theirs can precisely target the hair follicle, eliminating hair at the root without damaging skin.
—Stepfanie Romine, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2024
Elegant enough to keep on display, this jade comb is intended to stimulate the scalp, boosting circulation to the roots of the hair follicles.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2024
The shampoo is made with nourishing ingredients, like biotin for strength, zinc to protect hair follicles, and a unique energy complex that’s designed to stimulate the scalp, thus stimulating hair growth.
—Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024
In the case of alopecia areata, even though a threat doesn't exist, the body creates antibodies to its own hair follicle structures.
—Heather L. Brannon, Md, Verywell Health, 27 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hair follicle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1838, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near hair follicle
Cite this Entry
“Hair follicle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hair%20follicle. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on hair follicle
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hair follicle
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