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

This intensive-repair mask draws on Japanese beauty traditions to help restore the hair’s cuticle and overall integrity. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2026

That’s thanks to glycolic acid, which smooths the hair cuticle to reduce frizz, plus hydrating hyaluronic acid suspended in a nourishing yet lightweight oil base. —Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 22 Jan. 2026

This takes 20 to 30 minutes, and then the remnants of your acrylic nails can be removed with a cuticle stick. —Lisa Desantis, Glamour, 20 Jan. 2026

After grooming and perfecting Gomez's cuticles, Bachik applied Aprés Gel Couleur's Serengeti Plains, a true, cool brown shade, then topped it with Aprés's Astral Gel in The Sun, a shape-shifting, glittering magnetic bronze with a very apt product name. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 15 Jan. 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