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cuticle

noun
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cu·​ti·​cle | \ ˈkyü-ti-kəl How to pronounce cuticle (audio) \

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)
Other Words from cuticle Example Sentences Learn More about cuticle

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Other Words from cuticle

cuticular \ kyu̇-​ˈti-​kyə-​lər How to pronounce cuticular (audio) \ adjective

Examples of cuticle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Warm the cream between your hands and massage it into your skin, nail beds, cuticles, and even your feet. — Tanisha Pina, NBC News, "7 best hand creams to gift for the 2019 holidays," 6 Dec. 2019 Now, not only are my knuckles safe from bouts of bleeding, but I’m left with super smooth hands that are perfectly hydrated from palms to cuticles. — Braelyn Wood, Health.com, "Gold Bond Ultimate Hand Cream Is the Only Way to Soothe My Dry Hands," 12 Dec. 2019 This 18-piece one from Esarora features cosmetic scissors, tweezers, nail clippers, cuticle pushers and nippers, and more. — Jessica Kasparian, USA TODAY, "20 amazing gifts for beauty, makeup, and skincare lovers," 22 Oct. 2019 Scroll ahead for a close-up of Huntington-Whiteley's latest mani, our favourite iterations of the style, and a step-by-step guide to DIY-ing the cuticle stripe at home. — Megan Decker, refinery29.com, "Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Just Wore Instagram's Favourite Minimalist Manicure," 22 Aug. 2019 And her fingernails cut down to the cuticles — possibly her murderer's attempt to destroy DNA, says Braun. — CBS News, "Heather Bogle murder: 3 innocent suspects, a lead detective behind bars and a killer hiding in plain sight," 19 Oct. 2019 The outermost layer of the hair shaft is called the cuticle. — Svenja Lohner, Scientific American, "Test the Strength of Hair," 28 Nov. 2019 The next step: delivering hair-healthy ingredients into the cuticle before sealing. — Zuzu Snyder, Marie Claire, "The Next 25 Years of Beauty," 10 Oct. 2019 When people feel stressed or anxious, that feeling often manifests in a physical tic: picking at cuticles, or rubbing legs, arms or the forehead. — NBC News, "How emotional intelligence can score you more money, promotions and happiness," 12 Nov. 2019

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.

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First Known Use of cuticle

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for cuticle

Latin cuticula, diminutive of cutis skin — more at hide

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Time Traveler for cuticle

Time Traveler

The first known use of cuticle was in 1615

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Statistics for cuticle

Last Updated

14 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Cuticle.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cuticle. Accessed 23 January 2020.

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More Definitions for cuticle

cuticle

noun
How to pronounce cuticle (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of cuticle

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

See the full definition for cuticle in the English Language Learners Dictionary

cuticle

noun
cu·​ti·​cle | \ ˈkyü-ti-kəl How to pronounce cuticle (audio) \

Kids Definition of cuticle

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

cuticle

noun
cu·​ti·​cle | \ ˈkyüt-i-kəl How to pronounce cuticle (audio) \

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)

Other Words from cuticle

cuticular \ kyu̇-​ˈtik-​yə-​lər How to pronounce cuticular (audio) \ adjective

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More from Merriam-Webster on cuticle

Spanish Central: Translation of cuticle

Nglish: Translation of cuticle for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cuticle

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