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 pick is formulated with aloe vera to deliver long-lasting hydration and hyaluronic acid to deeply moisturize your hair follicles. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 14 July 2026

This causes the surrounding environment of your hair follicle to become less stable, which can weaken the anchoring of the hair shaft and allow your hair to shed more easily. — Sherri Gordon, Health, 13 July 2026

The products help strengthen hair follicles that are susceptible to breakage and encourage healthier hair that boosts your confidence and beauty. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026

As the colony grows, there is more potential for folliculitis or the inflammation of hair follicles by bacterial infection. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 July 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