cuticle
the nonliving epidermis that surrounds the edges of the fingernail or toenail.
the epidermis.
a superficial integument, membrane, or the like.
Also called cuticula. Zoology. the outer, noncellular layer of the arthropod integument, composed of a mixture of chitin and protein and commonly containing other hardening substances as well.
Botany. a very thin hyaline film covering the surface of plants, derived from the outer surfaces of the epidermal cells.
Origin of cuticle
1Other words from cuticle
- cu·tic·u·lar [kyoo-tik-yuh-ler], /kyuˈtɪk yə lər/, adjective
- sub·cu·tic·u·lar, adjective
Words Nearby cuticle
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use cuticle in a sentence
A study now finds that tiny hairs on that cuticle act as a lubricant.
Abdominal fuzz makes bee bodies super slippery | Alison Pearce Stevens | August 9, 2021 | Science News For StudentsTree leaves, we read, possess transparent lens-like cuticles that may function as primitive eyes.
We’re at home among trees — which might be able to sense our presence | Richard Schiffman | July 23, 2021 | Washington PostIt doesn’t seem logical to me to focus light if photosynthesis is the only goal, because the cuticle could simply let the sun’s rays through.
Plants Feel Pain and Might Even See - Issue 104: Harmony | Peter Wohlleben | July 21, 2021 | NautilusIn several plants, the cuticle is constructed in the shape of a lens, which means that it focuses light, making the cuticle functionally similar to the lens in our eye.
Plants Feel Pain and Might Even See - Issue 104: Harmony | Peter Wohlleben | July 21, 2021 | NautilusBaluška directed me to research being done on the cuticle or outer layer of leaves.
Plants Feel Pain and Might Even See - Issue 104: Harmony | Peter Wohlleben | July 21, 2021 | Nautilus
As the disease subsides, the cuticle comes off (desquamates) in patches.
An Epitome of Homeopathic Healing Art | B. L. HillWe hold it morally impossible to attend a picnic and come home pure in heart and undefiled of cuticle.
The Fiend's Delight | Dod GrileFlesh: Rich, bright yellow, red immediately beneath the cuticle.
Our Edible Toadstools and Mushrooms and How to Distinguish Them | William Hamilton GibsonThe cuticle is an obstacle to galvanic effects; they are always feebly manifested in parts covered by it.
The Book of Curiosities | I. PlattsHe, at least, could have dropped an unconventional word, done something to pierce the cuticle.
The Letters of William James, Vol. 1 | William James
British Dictionary definitions for cuticle
/ (ˈkjuːtɪkəl) /
dead skin, esp that round the base of a fingernail or toenail
another name for epidermis
any covering layer or membrane
the protective layer, containing cutin, that covers the epidermis of higher plants
the hard protective layer covering the epidermis of many invertebrates
Origin of cuticle
1Derived forms of cuticle
- cuticular (kjuːˈtɪkjʊlə), adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for cuticle
[ kyōō′tĭ-kəl ]
The noncellular, hardened or membranous protective covering of many invertebrates, such as the transparent membrane that covers annelids.
A layer of wax and cutin that covers the outermost surfaces of a plant. The cuticle is secreted by the epidermis and helps prevent water loss and infection by parasites.
The hard skin around the sides and base of a fingernail or toenail.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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