cuticle

noun cu·ti·cle \ ˈkyü-ti-kəl \

|Updated on: 12 Aug 2018

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

Ammonia dyes do just the opposite, separating the hair cuticle and diffusing the natural pigment in order to infiltrate the strands.

— emilie branch, Allure, "Graphene Allows You to Safely Dye Your Hair Black and Tame Flyaways, Says Study," 21 Mar. 2018
Applying hot tools directly to your hair can fry the cuticle, so coat wet locks with a creamy moisturizing product for protection.

— jessica prince erlich, Harper's BAZAAR, "13 Secrets to Long, Thick, Shiny Hair," 7 Nov. 2016
Their Precious Hair Care Oil ($100; net-a-porter.com) contains a nourishing combo of passion fruit and shea and moringa oils to smooth the cuticle and keep tresses healthy.

— lisa desantis, Health.com, "These Are the Beauty Products January Jones Uses Every Single Day," 14 June 2018
Jennings says putting a curling iron to wet hair can sizzle the cuticle causing a vertical crack in the strand.

— jessica cruel, SELF, "12 Common Curling Iron Mistakes and How to Stop Making Them," 8 June 2018
Diatomaceous earth causes insects to dry out and die by absorbing the oils and fats from the cuticle of the insect's exoskeleton.

— OregonLive.com, "How to clear soil choked with old roots: Ask an expert," 6 June 2018
The nails on both fingers were ripped from their cuticles.

— chabeli herrera, miamiherald, "A door on a Royal Caribbean ship crushed her hand. She sued for $20.3 million — and won," 4 June 2018
Apparently, when those levels get too high, the cuticles open up—making the hair more dry and brittle.

— lauren valenti, Marie Claire, "The Game-Changing Shampoo Trick Kim Kardashian's Hairstylist Swears By," 6 Aug. 2015
Hair dye kits on the market today often contain a mixture that includes ammonia or hydrogen peroxide to open the cuticle of the hair and deposit a more lasting color to each strand.

— julissa treviño, Smithsonian, "Graphene Hair Dye Is Gentle on Your Locks. But Is It Safe?," 21 Mar. 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.

Origin and Etymology of cuticle

Latin cuticula, diminutive of cutis skin — more at hide

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1615

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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CUTICLE Defined for English Language Learners

cuticle

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

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

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

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cuticle

Definition of cuticle

cuticular

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

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