follicle

noun

fol·​li·​cle ˈfä-li-kəl How to pronounce follicle (audio)
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
follicular adjective

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

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

Etymology

New Latin folliculus, from Latin, diminutive of follis bag — more at fool

First Known Use

1715, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of follicle was in 1715

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.

Kids Definition

follicle

noun
fol·​li·​cle ˈfäl-i-kəl How to pronounce follicle (audio)
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
follicular adjective

Medical Definition

follicle

noun
fol·​li·​cle ˈfäl-i-kəl How to pronounce follicle (audio)
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
follicular adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on follicle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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