cuticle

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noun cu·ti·cle \ˈkyü-ti-kəl\

Definition of cuticle

1 : an outer covering layer: such asa : an external envelope (as of an insect) secreted usually by epidermal cellsb : the outermost layer of animal integument composed of epidermisc : a thin continuous fatty or waxy film on the external surface of many higher plants that consists chiefly of cutind : 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

Thicker silicones, such as dimethicones, which are often found in leave-in treatments and serums, can build up along the hair cuticle over time like a film, and require clarifying shampoos for removal.

— deena campbell, SELF, "Why So Many Curly Girls Insist on Silicone-Free Hair Products", 22 June 2017
As strands swell with moisture, dye molecules can escape through the cuticle.

— lauren balsamo, Cosmopolitan, "What You Need to Know About These 5 Controversial Beauty Ingredients", 22 June 2017
This one made it three days before (minor) chipping occurred near the cuticles, but all in all lasted five days — a definite bargain at $4.99 a bottle.

— jessica prince erlich, The Cut, "7 Long-Lasting Polishes That Won’t Chip or Destroy Your Nails", 5 June 2017
Tend to those tootsies with a long-lasting gel pedicure at Hello Birdie Nail & Lash Lab, known for providing creative nail art that incorporates a negative-space design at the cuticle so nail growth is less obvious.

— kai oliver-kurtin, Pacific San Diego Magazine, "Forget June gloom, go for June glam", 2 June 2017
In human terms, a quarter crack is akin to a fingernail that splits down to the cuticle — not serious, but painful, especially when a horse bears weight on that foot during any movements.

— dan wolken, USA TODAY, "Trainer Joe Sharp says Girvin is healed, has shot to win Kentucky Derby", 4 May 2017
But they’re made from processed hair — stripped of the cuticle, bleached, dyed, dipped in silicone — and can fall apart after a few washings, once the chemicals are gone.

— annie correal, New York Times, "Last of New York’s Master Wigmakers", 7 Apr. 2017
After conditioning, a cold water rinse helps the cuticle seal in the emollients.

— sarah manguso, New York Times, "White Hair, Don’t Care", 16 Nov. 2016
These actins form the template on which the rest of the scale’s cuticle will be laid down, and foreshadow the fine ribs of the finished scale.

— gwen pearson, WIRED, "How Butterflies Get Their Shine", 22 Dec. 2014

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

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First Known Use: 1615

See Words from the same year

CUTICLE Defined for English Language Learners

cuticle

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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

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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

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noun cu·ti·cle \ˈkyüt-i-kəl\

Medical Definition of cuticle

1: an outer covering layer: asa: the outermost layer of integument composed of epidermisb: 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)