First Known Use: 1615
Dictionary
cuticle
noun cu·ti·cle \ˈkyü-ti-kəl\
: the layer of dead or hard skin around the base of a fingernail or toenail
Full Definition of CUTICLE
1
: an outer covering layer: 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
— cu·tic·u·lar \kyu̇-ˈti-kyə-lər\ adjective
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Origin of CUTICLE
Latin cuticula, diminutive of cutis skin — more at hide
CUTICLE Defined for Kids
cuticle
noun cu·ti·cle \ˈkyü-ti-kəl\
Definition of CUTICLE for Kids
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
Medical Dictionary
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)
—cu·tic·u·lar \kyu̇-ˈtik-yə-lər\ adjective
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