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

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

Current evidence suggests this works by encouraging blood flow to the scalp and stimulating hair follicles, according to the American Hair Loss Association. —Nicole Hernandez, USA Today, 26 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

That's because the apocrine glands empty into the hair follicle instead of opening directly onto the skin.8 Risk Factors and Triggers Risk factors for HS include:1 Age: HS typically starts between puberty and age 40 but most commonly occurs in your 20s. —Brandi Jones, Health, 6 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