corneocyte

noun

cor·​neo·​cyte ˈkȯr-nē-ə-ˌsīt 

plural corneocytes

: a terminally differentiated, anucleate, flattened, dead keratinocyte that is filled mostly with keratin filaments, has an insoluble envelope of cross-linked proteins, is connected to other corneocytes by desmosomes, and is embedded in a lipid bilayer matrix in the skin's stratum corneum

… the structure of the stratum corneum is analogous to that of a brick wall, with corneocyte "bricks" held in place by the extracellular matrix "mortar" …

—Peter M. Elias et al.

Depending on their skin type, patients receive either a lotion or cream formulation for at-home use to help diminish corneocyte cohesion, prevent re-thickening of the stratum corneum, and stimulate collagen development.

—Cheryl Guttman

Note: The process by which a keratinocyte is converted to a corneocyte is known as cornification.

Word History

Etymology

corne- (in stratum corneum) + -o- + -cyte

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for corneocyte

• acolyte
• aconite
• allanite
• alunite
• amberlite
• ammonite
• amorite
• amphitrite
• analyte
• anchorite
• andesite
• anhydrite