cuticle
noun
cu·ti·cle
ˈkyü-ti-kəl 
1
: an outer covering layer: such as
a
: an external envelope (as of an insect) secreted usually by epidermal cells
b
: the outermost layer of animal integument composed of epidermis
c
: a thin continuous fatty or waxy film on the external surface of many higher plants that consists chiefly of cutin
d
: the outermost membranous layer of a hair consisting of overlapping scales of epithelial cells
2
: dead or horny epidermis (such as that surrounding the base and sides of a fingernail)
Examples of cuticle in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
At a Russian manicure, however, a nail artist immediately reaches for an electric file and starts cleaning and shaping the nail and cuticle.
—
Kara Nesvig, Allure, 3 July 2024
Curl creams create a protective layer around the hair shaft to help smooth the cuticle and make curly hair more manageable.
—Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 24 June 2024
When applied to the hair, conditioners get to work by flattening the cuticle scales of the hair shaft and reducing friction between your hair strands, resulting in smooth, shiny hair, a 2015 study explains.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 28 Apr. 2024
This oil contains omega fatty acids, which are easily absorbed by the hair cuticle and impart instant hydration and shine to hair.
—Megan McIntyre, Allure, 20 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for cuticle 
Kara Nesvig, Allure, 3 July 2024
Curl creams create a protective layer around the hair shaft to help smooth the cuticle and make curly hair more manageable.
—Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 24 June 2024
When applied to the hair, conditioners get to work by flattening the cuticle scales of the hair shaft and reducing friction between your hair strands, resulting in smooth, shiny hair, a 2015 study explains.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 28 Apr. 2024
This oil contains omega fatty acids, which are easily absorbed by the hair cuticle and impart instant hydration and shine to hair.
—Megan McIntyre, Allure, 20 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for cuticle
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cuticle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Cuticle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cuticle. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cuticle
noun
cu·ti·cle
ˈkyüt-i-kəl
1
: an outer layer (as of skin or a leaf) often produced by the cells beneath
2
: a dead or horny layer of skin especially around a fingernail
Medical Definition
cuticle
noun
cu·ti·cle
ˈkyüt-i-kəl
1
: an outer covering layer: as
a
: the outermost layer of integument composed of epidermis
b
: the outermost membranous layer of a hair consisting of cornified epithelial cells
2
: dead or horny epidermis (as that surrounding the base and sides of a fingernail or toenail)
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