epicuticle

[ ep-i-kyoo-ti-kuhl ]

noun

1. the thin, waxy outer layer of the insect exoskeleton.

epicuticle

/ ˈɛpɪˌkjuːtɪkəl /

noun

1. botany a waxy layer on the surface of the cuticle
2. zoology the outermost lipoprotein layer of the insect cuticle

Word History and Origins

Origin of epicuticle¹

First recorded in 1925–30; epi- + cuticle