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
The shampoo penetrates the hair cuticle, strengthening from the root down, adding up to healthier, shinier, and more resilient strands.
—
Annie Blackman, Allure, 5 June 2025
She's used it for everything from taming flyaways to cuticles.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
With all the strips applied, use small scissors or cuticle cutters to cut back any excess.
—Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 30 June 2025
Lemons contain high doses of citric acid, which opens hair cuticles and allows sunlight to reach the melanin beneath.
—Rosie McCall, Discover Magazine, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for cuticle
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Annie Blackman, Allure, 5 June 2025
She's used it for everything from taming flyaways to cuticles.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
With all the strips applied, use small scissors or cuticle cutters to cut back any excess.
—Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 30 June 2025
Lemons contain high doses of citric acid, which opens hair cuticles and allows sunlight to reach the melanin beneath.
—Rosie McCall, Discover Magazine, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for cuticle
Cite this Entry
“Cuticle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cuticle. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
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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