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
Excess irritation on your scalp can damage the health of hair follicles and cells in the shaft, explains El Wanni.
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Popular Science, 13 Sep. 2023
In essence, Accutane works by reducing excess sebum, a thick, oily substance naturally produced by your skin’s sebaceous glands (found underneath your hair follicles).
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 8 Sep. 2023
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare form of skin cancer that develops just beneath the skin and in hair follicles.
—Gretchen Cuda Kroen, cleveland, 6 Sep. 2023
With their potent blend of vitamins and minerals, these supplements provide the necessary nutrients to nourish your facial hair follicles.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 9 Aug. 2023
After many such cycles, the stem cell melanocytes—which develop into melanocytes—in our hair follicles fatigue.
—Connie Chang, Popular Mechanics, 3 July 2023
These lasers, especially the Nd:YAG, is the latest technology which can hyperfocus on the hair follicle rather than the skin complexion.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 1 Sep. 2023
Heavy Management Dog Conditioner contains powerful antioxidants that protect against environmental damage to the hair follicles.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 27 Aug. 2023
Placing your tool at the end of a hair follicle heightens the chances of breakage when targeting hairs.
—Audrey Noble, Harper's BAZAAR, 21 Aug. 2023
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Popular Science, 13 Sep. 2023
In essence, Accutane works by reducing excess sebum, a thick, oily substance naturally produced by your skin’s sebaceous glands (found underneath your hair follicles).
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 8 Sep. 2023
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare form of skin cancer that develops just beneath the skin and in hair follicles.
—Gretchen Cuda Kroen, cleveland, 6 Sep. 2023
With their potent blend of vitamins and minerals, these supplements provide the necessary nutrients to nourish your facial hair follicles.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 9 Aug. 2023
After many such cycles, the stem cell melanocytes—which develop into melanocytes—in our hair follicles fatigue.
—Connie Chang, Popular Mechanics, 3 July 2023
These lasers, especially the Nd:YAG, is the latest technology which can hyperfocus on the hair follicle rather than the skin complexion.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 1 Sep. 2023
Heavy Management Dog Conditioner contains powerful antioxidants that protect against environmental damage to the hair follicles.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 27 Aug. 2023
Placing your tool at the end of a hair follicle heightens the chances of breakage when targeting hairs.
—Audrey Noble, Harper's BAZAAR, 21 Aug. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hair 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
First Known Use
1838, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near hair follicle
Cite this Entry
“Hair follicle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hair%20follicle. Accessed 2 Oct. 2023.
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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
More from Merriam-Webster on hair follicle
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hair follicle
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