manicure

[man-i-kyoor]

noun

1. a cosmetic treatment of the hands and fingernails, including trimming and polishing of the nails and removing cuticles.

2. a manicurist.

verb (used with object)

manicured, manicuring 

1. to take care of (the hands and fingernails); apply manicure treatment to.

2. to trim or cut meticulously.

   to manicure a lawn.

verb (used without object)

manicured, manicuring 

1. to give a manicure.

manicure

/ ˈmænɪˌkjʊə /

noun

1. care of the hands and fingernails, involving shaping the nails, removing cuticles, etc

2. another word for manicurist

verb

1. to care for (the hands and fingernails) in this way

2. (tr) to trim neatly

Other Word Forms

• unmanicured adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of manicure¹

1875–80; < French < Latin mani- (combining form of manus hand) + cūra care

Word History and Origins

Origin of manicure¹

C19: from French, from Latin manus hand + cūra care

Example Sentences

But the beautifully manicured fairways and greens may reinforce a view that golf is only for the rich in a country where poverty is rife and the average GDP per capita is about $4,000.

Read more on Barron's

Dozens of carefully manicured gardens adorn the lush grounds.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Her well-worn cycling gloves allow a peek at her perfect dripping-blood manicure, and a bulky knee pad helps steady a problem leg because she’s up and down so often.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Despite having no previous experience that qualifies her to hold it, Noem has embraced the tough-gal aesthetics of her position with both extravagantly manicured hands.

Read more on Salon

The company is known for its customer service and family-friendly atmosphere, where ladies can receive manicures and kids are treated to candy floss while waiting for a table.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• beautify