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

Unlike other deep conditioning masks, this one features a weightless, gel-like texture that won’t weigh down hair follicles. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 26 Apr. 2025

Increasing blood flow helps deliver nutrients to hair follicles necessary for hair growth. —Carley Millhone, Health, 23 Apr. 2025

In a 2015 study, his lab (by then relocated to Harvard Medical School) discovered that another type of fast-signaling neuron ensnares hair follicles like lassos (opens a new tab). —Ariel Bleicher, Quanta Magazine, 16 Apr. 2025

Hormones, medication, and even the time of year can impact the well-being of your hair follicles, forcing them to produce thinner strands or none at all. —Shannon Lawlor, Glamour, 14 Apr. 2025

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