Definition of follicle
1a : a small anatomical cavity or deep narrow-mouthed depressionb : a small lymph nodec : 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
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Recent Examples of follicle from the Web
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In 2016, Cook Children’s did hair follicle testing on 191 children age 5 and younger, and about two-thirds of those under 2 tested positive for drugs.
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The pituitary hormones, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), which normally cycle during the month, begin to flow continuously at high levels.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'follicle'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of follicle
New Latin folliculus, from Latin, diminutive of follis bag — more at fool
First Known Use: 1646
FOLLICLE Defined for English Language Learners
follicle
playDefinition of follicle for English Language Learners
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: a tiny hole in the skin from which a hair grows
Medical Dictionary
follicle
playMedical Definition of follicle
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
Learn More about follicle
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Spanish Central: Translation of follicle Nglish: Translation of follicle for Spanish speakers
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