epicuticle

noun

epi·cu·ti·cle ˌe-pi-ˈkyü-ti-kəl

: the outermost waxy layer of the arthropod exoskeleton

epicuticular

ˌe-pi-kyü-ˈti-kyə-lər

adjective

Word History

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of epicuticle was in 1933

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

Epicurus

epicuticle

epicycle

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Epicuticle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epicuticle. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

tantalize

Listen to the pronunciation of tantalize

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

Using Bullet Points ( • )

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Popular in Wordplay

Ten Painless Ways to Improve Your Vocabulary

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

12 Words Whose History Will Surprise You

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Ten Painless Ways to Improve Your Vocabulary

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language