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

Those foods contain protein, vitamins, and minerals that feed and support the hair follicle throughout its growth phase. —Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 20 Aug. 2025

Because the hair follicles in the affected areas are dead and covered in scar tissue, people with FFA often experience itchiness in the affected areas. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 6 Aug. 2025

While pimples can sometimes become infected, they aren’t directly related to the hair follicle itself. —Deenie Hartzog-Mislock, Outside Online, 29 July 2025

Topical or injectable corticosteroids: Often prescribed for alopecia areata, these reduce inflammation around the hair follicles and may encourage regrowth. —Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 29 July 2025

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