keratinocyte
noun
ke·ra·ti·no·cyte
kə-ˈra-tə-nə-ˌsīt 
ˌker-ə-ˈti-
ˌker-ə-ˈti-
plural keratinocytes
: a cell of the epidermis that produces keratin, is formed in the basal epidermal layer above the dermis, divides to produce more keratinocytes, and ultimately migrates into the outer protective layers of the skin and undergoes final differentiation into a corneocyte
… keratinocytes gain their strength from fibrous proteins called keratins, which assemble into long, intertwined cables.—
Steven Lanier McKnight
Steven Lanier McKnightExamples of keratinocyte in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Overall, Sensitive Skin Soothing Care was conceived to counteract keratinocytes, or skin cells, to reduce sensitivity.
—Jennifer Weil, WWD, 14 Jan. 2025
Essentially, soy works as a dark spot corrector by preventing melanin (pigment) from being transferred from melanocytes (color cells) to keratinocytes (skin cells), Dr. Zeichner explains.
—Sara Coughlin, SELF, 26 Sep. 2024
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma – collectively known as keratinocyte cancers – account for more than 97% of skin cancer cases, but invasive melanomas cause the most deaths.
—Enrique Torchia, Fortune Well, 20 Aug. 2023
These vitamin D analogs bind to vitamin D receptors on keratinocytes, which are cells in the skin, to prevent or slow their growth, Lim said.
—Maggie O'Neill, Health, 25 July 2023
With acne, however, sebum, hair, and keratinocytes stick together in the pore.
—Angela Palmer Updated, Verywell Health, 5 July 2023
The melanosomes arrive there during development, when the melanocytes transfer them into specialized cells called keratinocytes that give rise to feathers and hair.
—Jakob Vinther, Scientific American, 1 Mar. 2017
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Jennifer Weil, WWD, 14 Jan. 2025
Essentially, soy works as a dark spot corrector by preventing melanin (pigment) from being transferred from melanocytes (color cells) to keratinocytes (skin cells), Dr. Zeichner explains.
—Sara Coughlin, SELF, 26 Sep. 2024
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma – collectively known as keratinocyte cancers – account for more than 97% of skin cancer cases, but invasive melanomas cause the most deaths.
—Enrique Torchia, Fortune Well, 20 Aug. 2023
These vitamin D analogs bind to vitamin D receptors on keratinocytes, which are cells in the skin, to prevent or slow their growth, Lim said.
—Maggie O'Neill, Health, 25 July 2023
With acne, however, sebum, hair, and keratinocytes stick together in the pore.
—Angela Palmer Updated, Verywell Health, 5 July 2023
The melanosomes arrive there during development, when the melanocytes transfer them into specialized cells called keratinocytes that give rise to feathers and hair.
—Jakob Vinther, Scientific American, 1 Mar. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Keratinocyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keratinocyte. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
keratinocyte
noun
ke·ra·ti·no·cyte
kə-ˈrat-ᵊn-ə-ˌsīt
ˌker-ə-ˈtin-
ˌker-ə-ˈtin-
: an epidermal cell that produces keratin
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