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

Some research has also indicated that hair follicles currently gray or going gray may retain the capacity to restart pigmentation after clinical changes, including medication and treatment switches, Tobin said. — Gavin Escott, USA Today, 21 July 2026

The body’s nervous response to that threat — the racing heart, sweaty armpits, and hair follicles on end — offered a lesson. — Rachel Nuwer, Quanta Magazine, 17 July 2026

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

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