cuticle

noun

cu·​ti·​cle ˈkyü-ti-kəl How to pronounce cuticle (audio)
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 adjective

Examples of cuticle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This also lowers the pH of the hair, which keeps the cuticles tight, and maintains both color molecules and moisture. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 23 Apr. 2025 Citric acid goes deep into each strand to prevent breakage, lactic acid smooths cracks in the cuticle to smooth, and amino acids hydrate and boost elasticity. Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 But how to moisturize your cuticles and nail plate? Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 3 Apr. 2025 Rice bran extract, a lightweight emollient, smooths the hair cuticle, while hyaluronic acid acts as a humectant to lock in moisture. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cuticle

Word History

Etymology

Latin cuticula, diminutive of cutis skin — more at hide

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cuticle was in 1615

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cuticle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cuticle. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

cuticle

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

More from Merriam-Webster on cuticle

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