cuticle

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)

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Examples of cuticle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

An electron microscope revealed that in both species, the patches contained bits of melanin—a black pigment—tucked beneath a layer of bumps in the spider cuticles. — Nadia Drake, National Geographic, "How peacock spiders use optical illusions to woo females," 22 May 2019 More celebrity tattoos: Now check out these cuticle tattoo ideas: Follow Allure on Instagram and Twitter, or subscribe to our newsletter for daily beauty stories delivered right to your inbox. — De Elizabeth, Allure, "Demi Lovato Debuts Tattoo of Her Great-Grandmother," 19 May 2019 Invest in some good nail after-care products to re-hydrate your nails and keep your cuticles moisturized. — Glamour, "Dip Powder Nails: All About the Manicure That Lasts Longer Than Gels," 12 May 2019 When all else fails, Leatherwood recommends using an ApHogee Two-Step Protein Treatment, which repairs breakage on sight or a rice water rinse to stop shedding and smooth out your cuticles. — Lara Adekola, Teen Vogue, "How to Grow Your Natural Hair," 2 Jan. 2019 Still recommends products with low pH, to keep hair cuticles safely shut. — Glamour, "7 Things I Wish I'd Known Before Going From Blond to Brunette," 30 Mar. 2019 Remember this: Healthy cuticles equal healthy nails. — Emily Rekstis, Glamour, "10 Things You Can Do Now to Get Stronger, Healthier Nails ASAP," 20 Apr. 2019 However, Hadley suggests removing a gel manicure after two to three weeks maximum to avoid damaging nail beds and cuticles. — Tiffany Dodson, SELF, "4 Mistakes You’re Making When Wearing Gel Nail Polish," 25 Jan. 2019 If you’re pressed for time, hydrate bare nails with a hand cream or cuticle oil and hit with a four-sided buffer to achieve a smooth, even surface. — Sarah Ferguson, Marie Claire, "3 Spots You're Forgetting About When Getting Ready," 11 Dec. 2018

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.