eponychium

[ep-uh-nik-ee-uh m]

noun, plural ep·o·nych·i·a [ep-uh-nik-ee-uh] /ˌɛp əˈnɪk i ə/,

Embryology. the modified outer layer of the epidermis that partially covers the fetal fingernails and toenails and that persists after birth as the cuticle.

Anatomy. a thin, cuticular fold extending over the lunula of a nail.

Also epionychium.

Origin of eponychium

1880–85; < New Latin, equivalent to ep- ep- + onych- (see onyx) + -ium -ium

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Medicine definitions for eponychia

eponychia

[ĕp′ə-nĭk′ē-ə]

n.

An infection affecting the proximal nail fold.

eponychium

[ĕp′ə-nĭk′ē-əm]

n.

The condensed eleidin-rich areas of the epidermis preceding the formation of nails in the embryo.

The thin skin adhering to the nail at its base.