cuticle
noun
cu·ti·cle
| \ ˈkyü-ti-kəl
\
\
Definition of cuticle
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)
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Other Words from cuticle
cuticular
\ kyu̇-ˈti-kyə-lər
\
adjective
\
adjective
Examples of cuticle in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The first step, the Deep Conditioning Mask, restores shine and conditions while step 2, the Protective Glaze, seals the cuticle for long-lasting results and prevents dryness in the days following your wash. — Essence, "4 Steps To Restoring Your Hair After a Protective Style," 3 Sep. 2019 Lin suggests avoiding hot water if possible, and getting in the habit of rinsing hair in cold water after conditioning, as this will help close up cuticles, protect hair and lock in moisture. — Kristen Granero, NBC News, "Sweating, chafing, chlorine: Solutions to summer's biggest hair and skin challenges," 18 Aug. 2019 The placement is up to you; go for a random sprinkling of stars across a few fingers, one on each cuticle, or a cluster on a single finger for an unexpected accent nail. — Bella Cacciatore, Allure, "Star Nail Art Is Officially Trending This Summer," 17 July 2019 In nature, using air as the fluid, lotus leaves and insect cuticles are both famously good at superhydrophobicity. — The Economist, "How to make a better raincoat with tiny “water bowls”," 4 July 2019 This one, however, is placed at the tip of the nail rather than the cuticle curve, and involves a chic, colourful ombré fade. — Megan Decker, refinery29.com, "The Minimalist French-Manicure Trend You'll Want To Wear All Summer," 5 June 2019 Creating bends with the flat iron will naturally seal the cuticle. — Lauren Valenti, Marie Claire, "5 Cool-Girl Holiday Hair Tips from Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's Hairstylist," 15 Dec. 2016 Skin looks suppler, and your cuticles will benefit too. 10. — Harper's Bazaar Staff, Harper's BAZAAR, "The 20 Best Instant Anti-Aging Beauty Secrets," 24 June 2019 That can give the leaves time to mature and develop their protective cuticle that helps reduce water loss. — Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, "It's that dreary. Louisville has seen 30+ inches of rain so far this year," 21 June 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cuticle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for cuticle
cuticle
noun
English Language Learners Definition of cuticle
: the layer of dead or hard skin around the base of a fingernail or toenail
See the full definition for cuticle in the English Language Learners Dictionary
cuticle
noun
cu·ti·cle
| \ ˈkyü-ti-kəl
\
\
Kids Definition of cuticle
1
: an outer layer (as of skin or a leaf) often produced by the cells beneath
2
: a dead or hard layer of skin especially around a fingernail
cuticle
noun
cu·ti·cle
| \ ˈkyüt-i-kəl
\
\
Medical Definition of cuticle
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)
Other Words from cuticle
cuticular
\ kyu̇-ˈtik-yə-lər
\
adjective
\
adjective
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