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

Go in with the glass cuticle pusher to gently soften and push back cuticles (which can help nails look longer), plus the glass polisher, which buffs the nail surface smooth for smoother, better, longer-lasting polish application. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 5 Mar. 2026

Thise helps seal the outer cuticles and ensure your curls don’t become frizzy, plus tomato, which is supposed to support moisture retention. —Eden Stuart, Glamour, 5 Mar. 2026

To achieve this, Byrd recommends instead of bleach, dimension is created with hair color, which preserves the cuticle. —Amanda Le, InStyle, 5 Mar. 2026

If this is the case, the coronae could leave leaf tips visibly burnt within seconds and even damage the cuticle—the waxy covering that protects leaves from UV damage and dehydration. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 25 Feb. 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