cuticle

noun cu·ti·cle \ ˈkyü-ti-kəl \

|Updated on: 17 Jun 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

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
Adjust your hair and skin routine Perhaps the most underestimated blight of winter is its effect on your hair and skin: torn cuticles, split ends, chapped lips, and scaly skin from harsh wind, icy cold, and dry indoor heating.

— julia black, Bon Appetit, "9 Ways to Stay Happy in Winter From People in the Coldest Places," 13 Jan. 2018
Manicures can be as simple as a soak, buffing, shaping, nipping the cuticles, a base coat and color.

— allison carey, cleveland.com, "New year, new nails, what's new in manicures: Style Resolutions 2018 (photos)," 8 Jan. 2018
Insecticidal Soap Insecticidal soap contains unsaturated long-chain fatty acids (derived from animal fats) that dissolve the cuticle (skin) of insects.

— the editors of organic life, Good Housekeeping, "The 7 Best Organic Pest Control Techniques For Your Garden," 18 Dec. 2017

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

See Words from the same year

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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