keratinocyte

noun

ke·​ra·​ti·​no·​cyte kə-ˈra-tə-nə-ˌsīt  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

Examples of keratinocyte in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Nutrient optimization protocols complement topical therapy by supporting keratinocyte proliferation and extending the anagen (growth) phase. — Yola Robert, Forbes.com, 5 Feb. 2026

Of these, seven showed clear anti-aging effects when tested directly on aged human fibroblasts (cells that form connective tissue) and keratinocytes (the major cell type of the outermost layers of the skin) in the lab. — New Atlas, 10 Aug. 2025

Most of the epidermis is made of keratinocytes, cells in a constant cycle of renewal and migration through the layers, dying at the top to build a strong protective barrier. — Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 30 June 2025

Among them, the epidermal growth factor that gets the hero treatment in the brand’s core range; keratinocyte growth factor, which boosts the skin barrier, and interleukin-1 alpha, which aids in firmness. — James Manso, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019

For example, the program was able to distinguish between keratinocyte carcinomas—the most common human skin cancer—and benign skin growths called seborrheic keratoses. — IEEE Spectrum, 25 Jan. 2017

Word History

Etymology

keratin + -o- + -cyte

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for keratinocyte

• granodiorite
• microsatellite
• montmorillonite
• reticulocyte
• acolyte
• aconite
• allanite
• alunite
• amberlite
• ammonite
• amorite
• amphitrite

Medical Definition

keratinocyte

noun

ke·​ra·​ti·​no·​cyte kə-ˈrat-ᵊn-ə-ˌsīt  ˌker-ə-ˈtin- 

: an epidermal cell that produces keratin