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

Instead of conditioner, Richards says to swap it in with a hair mask to keep your cuticles healthy—Mena adds that this step is especially important for blondes, brunettes, and redheads. — Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 1 Nov. 2026

Don’t cut or remove your cuticle; instead, gently push it back in the shower with a wash cloth and apply cuticle oil after the shower and throughout the day. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 30 Oct. 2026

Use it for dry skin, dry lips, dry cuticles, scars from cabaret battles. — Lindy Segal, Glamour, 22 Oct. 2026

Modern hair oils blend botanical ingredients like argan, squalane and castor with lightweight silicones that seal the cuticle without the heavy, greasy feel of older formulas. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026

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