cuticle

play

noun cu·ti·cle \ ˈkyü-ti-kəl \

Definition of cuticle

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

play \kyu̇-ˈti-kyə-lər\ adjective

See cuticle defined for English-language learners

See cuticle defined for kids

Recent Examples of cuticle from the Web

Athena had made the blueprint in the drey, using the sharp nails of her paw to scratch figures into the leaf’s cuticle layer.

— john kelly, Washington Post, "‘The Taking of Bird Feeder 123’: The new heist film starring an all-squirrel cast," 20 Aug. 2017
This results in porous strands and damaged cuticles that in turn, generate short, broken-off hair.

— ashley weatherford, The Cut, "The Best New Shampoo Is Made From Human Hair," 15 Aug. 2017
Lightening requires the use of either hydrogen peroxide or bleach (albeit gentler, more-elegant formulations) to create an irreversible chemical reaction in your hair cuticle.

— chloe metzger, Marie Claire, "Here's How to Go Platinum Blonde Without Destroying Your Hair," 2 Aug. 2017
Unfortunately, this means my cuticles are sore and often bleeding.

— emily rekstis, SELF, "I Tried 5 Hacks to Stop Biting My Nails and Only 1 Made a Difference," 25 July 2017
In technical terms, this means that the hair cuticle is in tact and facing in the same direction.

— lindsay colameo, Allure, "The 10 Best Tape-In Hair Extensions & Why They Work for Everyone," 13 July 2017
The second used electrodes, inserted through an animal’s cuticle, to measure changes in oxygen concentration in various parts of its body.

— The Economist, "Sea spidersHow does an animal with no heart circulate oxygen?," 13 July 2017
The conditioner helps to fill holes (read: damage) in the hair cuticle, preventing any further breakage from forming. 12.

— rachel jacoby zoldan, SELF, "The 19 Best Beauty Tricks I've Learned After 10 Years as a Beauty Editor," 7 July 2017
Start by giving your toes a tune-up by pushing back the cuticle with an orange stick dipped in non-acetone polish remover.

— maddy zollo, Seventeen, "7 Ways To Fight Fugly Feet This Summer," 30 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cuticle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of cuticle

Latin cuticula, diminutive of cutis skin — more at hide

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1615

See Words from the same year

CUTICLE Defined for English Language Learners

cuticle

play

noun

Definition of cuticle for English Language Learners

: the layer of dead or hard skin around the base of a fingernail or toenail

CUTICLE Defined for Kids

cuticle

play

noun cu·ti·cle \ ˈkyü-ti-kəl \

Definition of cuticle for Students

1 :an outer layer (as of skin or a leaf) often produced by the cells beneath

2 :a dead or hard layer of skin especially around a fingernail

Medical Dictionary

cuticle

play

noun cu·ti·cle \ ˈkyüt-i-kəl \

medical Definition of cuticle

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

play \kyu̇-ˈtik-yə-lər\ adjective

Learn More about cuticle

Spanish Central: Translation of cuticle Nglish: Translation of cuticle for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cuticle

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up cuticle? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

cuticle

Definition of cuticle

cuticular

People Are Reading

Recent Examples of cuticle from the Web

Origin and Etymology of cuticle

CUTICLE Defined for English Language Learners

cuticle

Definition of cuticle for English Language Learners

CUTICLE Defined for Kids

cuticle

Definition of cuticle for Students

Medical Dictionary

cuticle

medical Definition of cuticle

cuticular

Learn More about cuticle

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

The Ambiguity of Pushing 'Up' and 'Back'

Trending: Ivanka: "An 'Otherwise' Incredible Day"

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

Words of the Year: 1066