lunule

noun

lu·nule ˈlü-(ˌ)nyül

: a crescent-shaped body part or marking (such as the whitish mark at the base of a fingernail)

Word History

Etymology

New Latin lunula, from Latin, crescent-shaped ornament, from diminutive of luna moon

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of lunule was in 1828

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Browse Nearby Words

lunulate

lunule

lunulet

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Lunule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lunule. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

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Medical Definition

lunule

noun

lu·nule ˈlü-(ˌ)nyü(ə)l

: lunula

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