cuticle

American  

[kyoo-ti-kuhl] / ˈkyu tɪ kəl /

noun

1. the nonliving epidermis that surrounds the edges of the fingernail or toenail.

2. the epidermis.

3. a superficial integument, membrane, or the like.

4. 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.

5. Botany. a very thin hyaline film covering the surface of plants, derived from the outer surfaces of the epidermal cells.

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cuticle British  

/ kjuːˈtɪkjʊlə, ˈkjuːtɪkəl /

noun

1. dead skin, esp that round the base of a fingernail or toenail

2. another name for epidermis

3. any covering layer or membrane

4. the protective layer, containing cutin, that covers the epidermis of higher plants

5. the hard protective layer covering the epidermis of many invertebrates

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cuticle Scientific  

/ kyo̅o̅′tĭ-kəl /

1. The noncellular, hardened or membranous protective covering of many invertebrates, such as the transparent membrane that covers annelids.

2. 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.

3. The hard skin around the sides and base of a fingernail or toenail.

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Other Word Forms

• cuticular
  adjective
• subcuticular
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of cuticle

1605–15; < Latin cutīcula the skin, equivalent to cuti ( s ) skin, cutis + -cula -cle ¹

Example Sentences

For a bonus, pair the polish with the All Natural Rose Cuticle Oil.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2017

Surgeon Wedge," said Cuticle, looking round severely, "we will dispense with your commentaries, if you please, at present.

From White Jacket or, the World on a Man-of-War by Melville, Herman

"Don't be alarmed for your comrade; men," said Cuticle, turning round.

From White Jacket or, the World on a Man-of-War by Melville, Herman

It is not to be imagined even that Cuticle would have harmed a fly, unless he could procure a microscope powerful enough to assist him in experimenting on the minute vitals of the creature.

From White Jacket or, the World on a Man-of-War by Melville, Herman

Cuticle distinctly marked by longitudinal striations which take the form of depressions and give to the body a characteristic melon shape.

From Marine Protozoa from Woods Hole Bulletin of the United States Fish Commission 21:415-468, 1901 by Calkins, Gary N. (Gary Nathan)