fingernail

[ fing-ger-neyl ]

noun

1. the nail at the end of a finger.
2. Printing. a parenthesis.

fingernail

/ ˈfɪŋɡəˌneɪl /

noun

1. a thin horny translucent plate covering part of the dorsal surface of the end joint of each finger ungualungular

Word History and Origins

Origin of fingernail¹

Middle English word dating back to 1200–50; finger, nail

Example Sentences

More obvious evidence of humans as prey: look at our claws — soft fingernails — and look at the claws of a real predator like a lion.

From Salon

And, perhaps above all, run more candidates who’ve gotten dirt under their fingernails, mud on the soles of their boots or grease stains on their coveralls.

From Los Angeles Times

He routinely gets a manicure and a glossy white polish applied to his fingernails.

From Los Angeles Times

“I don’t have any fingernails left,” he says.

From BBC

Williams will continue to do things his own way, as he showed by again sporting his painted fingernails which have previously attracted attention - this time with his shirt number 18 and 'Da Bears' on them.

From BBC

Related Words

• paw
• tentacle