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
Some nail strengtheners can irritate the nail cuticle and fragile skin around it.
—
Kayla Hui, Mph, Verywell Health, 13 May 2024
Additionally, the nails are neatly packaged in an ultra-cute pink box equipped with a nail file, cuticle pusher and nail glue.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 9 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for cuticle 
Kayla Hui, Mph, Verywell Health, 13 May 2024
Additionally, the nails are neatly packaged in an ultra-cute pink box equipped with a nail file, cuticle pusher and nail glue.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 9 May 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.
Dictionary Entries Near cuticle
Cite this Entry
“Cuticle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cuticle. Accessed 28 May. 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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