follicle
noun
fol·li·cle
ˈfä-li-kəl 
1
a
: a small anatomical cavity or deep narrow-mouthed depression
b
: a small lymph node
c
: a vesicle in the mammalian ovary that contains a developing egg surrounded by a covering of cells
especially
: graafian follicle
2
: a dry dehiscent one-celled many-seeded fruit (as of the milkweed) that has a single carpel and opens along one suture
Examples of follicle in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The follicles are there, ready to grow, but the immune system goes haywire and prevents those follicles from doing their job.
—
Julia Ries, SELF, 7 July 2023
The goal is to achieve the same hair length as other follicles.
—Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 14 July 2023
Straight hair emerges from a round follicle, while oval and twisted oval follicles create wavy and curly hair.
—Sabina Wizemann, Good Housekeeping, 8 Sep. 2023
The follicle, just like the hair fiber, can be different shapes and sizes.
—Sabina Wizemann, Good Housekeeping, 8 Sep. 2023
Just remember—to remove body hair, your follicles have to grow out really long first.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 17 Aug. 2023
Over applying coconut oil can cause protein buildup on your scalp, blocking your follicles, and preventing moisture from reaching your scalp.
—Iman Balagam, ELLE, 31 Aug. 2023
Electrolysis sends electric currents through the follicles to remove hairs and stop new ones from growing.
—Audrey Noble, Harper's BAZAAR, 21 Aug. 2023
One follicle will mature to become the dominant follicle for that cycle.
—Kaitlyn Phoenix, Good Housekeeping, 29 June 2023
See More
Julia Ries, SELF, 7 July 2023
The goal is to achieve the same hair length as other follicles.
—Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 14 July 2023
Straight hair emerges from a round follicle, while oval and twisted oval follicles create wavy and curly hair.
—Sabina Wizemann, Good Housekeeping, 8 Sep. 2023
The follicle, just like the hair fiber, can be different shapes and sizes.
—Sabina Wizemann, Good Housekeeping, 8 Sep. 2023
Just remember—to remove body hair, your follicles have to grow out really long first.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 17 Aug. 2023
Over applying coconut oil can cause protein buildup on your scalp, blocking your follicles, and preventing moisture from reaching your scalp.
—Iman Balagam, ELLE, 31 Aug. 2023
Electrolysis sends electric currents through the follicles to remove hairs and stop new ones from growing.
—Audrey Noble, Harper's BAZAAR, 21 Aug. 2023
One follicle will mature to become the dominant follicle for that cycle.
—Kaitlyn Phoenix, Good Housekeeping, 29 June 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'follicle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Phrases Containing follicle
Dictionary Entries Near follicle
Cite this Entry
“Follicle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/follicle. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
follicle
noun
fol·li·cle
ˈfäl-i-kəl
1
a
: a small cavity or a deep bodily depression with a narrow mouth (as one from which a hair grows)
2
: a dry one-celled fruit (as in the milkweed) that splits open by one seam when ripe
Medical Definition
follicle
noun
fol·li·cle
ˈfäl-i-kəl
1
: a small anatomical cavity or deep narrow-mouthed depression
especially
: a small simple or slightly branched gland : crypt
2
: a small lymph node
3
: a vesicle in the mammalian ovary that contains a developing egg surrounded by a covering of cells : ovarian follicle
especially
: graafian follicle
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