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

The wide-mouthed container is designed for easy application, plus this butter soothes and moisturizes other dry skin areas like lips, cuticles, and feet. —Pamela Brill, Parents, 7 Apr. 2026

Clifford’s favorite is Oribe’s Supershine Moisturizing Cream—rich in active keratin to form a shield around the hair cuticle. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2026

The hair texture was smoother and visibly more intact as far as cuticle direction and strand quality. —Noel Cymone Walker, StyleCaster, 1 Apr. 2026

And that can be sorely lacking in hair that’s lost pigment and become coarser with a rougher cuticle. —Valerie Monroe, Allure, 25 Mar. 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