hair follicle

noun

: the tubular epithelial sheath that surrounds the lower part of the hair shaft and encloses at the bottom a vascular papilla supplying the growing basal part of the hair with nourishment see hair illustration

Examples of hair follicle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The hair follicles affected by high levels of DHT may never fully return to normal. —Rebecca Strong, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026

Prescription treatments like Vaniqa work by inhibiting an enzyme involved in hair follicle cell division, helping to reduce regrowth with consistent use. —Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026

Meanwhile, in Japan, researchers are having success with their quest to grow hair follicles from scratch in a lab. —The Week Uk, TheWeek, 27 Mar. 2026

These nutrients create an environment that supports a healthy scalp, hair follicle health, and keratin production, while reducing potential damage. —Mykenna Maniece, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hair follicle

• diabolical
• symbolical

Kids Definition

hair follicle

noun

: the tube-shaped sheath surrounding the lower part of a hair shaft

Medical Definition

hair follicle

noun

: the tubular epithelial sheath that surrounds the lower part of the hair shaft and encloses at the bottom a vascular papilla supplying the growing basal part of the hair with nourishment