follicle

noun

fol·​li·​cle ˈfä-li-kəl 

1

a

: a small anatomical cavity or deep narrow-mouthed depression

b

: a small lymph node

c

: a vesicle in the mammalian ovary that contains a developing egg surrounded by a covering of cells

especially : graafian follicle

2

: a dry dehiscent one-celled many-seeded fruit (as of the milkweed) that has a single carpel and opens along one suture

follicular

fə-ˈli-kyə-lər 

fä-

adjective

Examples of follicle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Not every expert believes restoration begins at the follicle, however. — Ramona Saviss, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026

In short, all of these combat hair loss at the root by improving follicle health, circulating blood flow to the scalp, and supporting keratin production—all pivotal factors in hair growth. — Essence Wiley, InStyle, 15 July 2026

After several months, the old hair is shed, the follicle reactivates and a new anagen cycle begins. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

Minoxidil improves blood flow to follicles and must be used indefinitely to maintain results. — Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 22 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin folliculus, from Latin, diminutive of follis bag — more at fool

First Known Use

1715, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing follicle

• follicle mite
• follicle-stimulating hormone
• Graafian follicle
• hair follicle

Rhymes for follicle

• diabolical
• symbolical

Kids Definition

follicle

noun

fol·​li·​cle ˈfäl-i-kəl 

1

a

: a small cavity or a deep bodily depression with a narrow mouth (as one from which a hair grows)

b

: graafian follicle

2

: a dry one-celled fruit (as in the milkweed) that splits open by one seam when ripe

follicular

fə-ˈlik-yə-lər 

fä-

adjective

Medical Definition

follicle

noun

fol·​li·​cle ˈfäl-i-kəl 

1

: a small anatomical cavity or deep narrow-mouthed depression

especially : a small simple or slightly branched gland : crypt

2

: a small lymph node

3

: a vesicle in the mammalian ovary that contains a developing egg surrounded by a covering of cells : ovarian follicle

especially : graafian follicle

follicular

fə-ˈlik-yə-lər, fä- 

adjective