cuticle

noun

cu·ti·cle | \ ˈkyü-ti-kəl

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)

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Examples of cuticle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Skin looks suppler, and your cuticles will benefit too. 10. — Harper's Bazaar Staff, Harper's BAZAAR, "The 20 Best Instant Anti-Aging Beauty Secrets," 24 June 2019 That can give the leaves time to mature and develop their protective cuticle that helps reduce water loss. — Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, "It's that dreary. Louisville has seen 30+ inches of rain so far this year," 21 June 2019 However, do give your cuticles a little touch-up before landing with this nifty manicure kit in the comfort of the lavatory. — Rachel Tepper Paley, Condé Nast Traveler, "Everything You Need to Make Your Own Business-Class Worthy Dopp Kit," 20 June 2019 On one particular day, the Smallfoot actress ordered some hygiene must-haves from CVS Pharmacy, including mascara, a foot file, a cuticle nipper, body polish, and three types of nail polish. — Tomás Mier, PEOPLE.com, "From Foot Files and Toothpaste to an Inflatable Bed: See Zendaya's Favorite Postmates Orders," 11 June 2019 The trend was brought to us by one of Instagram's favourite manicurists, Betina Goldstein, who also brought us cuticle striping last season. — Megan Decker, refinery29.com, "The Minimalist French-Manicure Trend You'll Want To Wear All Summer," 5 June 2019 Hand washing, dry air, and the inevitable exposure to the elements (gloves are great, but sometimes a text just can't wait) all take their toll, leaving your cuticles splitting and peeling. — Lauren Hubbard, Allure, "The 17 Best Cuticle Treatments for Fighting Winter Dryness," 13 Sep. 2018 Three of the five were related to the structure of the cuticle, the protective outer layer of the insect’s exoskeleton. — Quanta Magazine, "Insects Conquered a Watery Realm With Just Two New Genes," 19 Oct. 2017 An electron microscope revealed that in both species, the patches contained bits of melanin—a black pigment—tucked beneath a layer of bumps in the spider cuticles. — Nadia Drake, National Geographic, "How peacock spiders use optical illusions to woo females," 22 May 2019

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.