cuticle
noun
cu·ti·cle
ˈkyü-ti-kəl 
1
: an outer covering layer: such as
a
: an external envelope (as of an insect) secreted usually by epidermal cells
b
: the outermost layer of animal integument composed of epidermis
c
: a thin continuous fatty or waxy film on the external surface of many higher plants that consists chiefly of cutin
d
: the outermost membranous layer of a hair consisting of overlapping scales of epithelial cells
2
: dead or horny epidermis (such as that surrounding the base and sides of a fingernail)
Examples of cuticle in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
These treatments work by opening the hair cuticle with a clarifying shampoo, infusing keratin deep into the strands, and sealing it with heat to ensure three times stronger and healthier hair for longer.
—
Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2025
Shampooing also opens up the hair cuticles so the mask can penetrate better.
—Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2025
When recreating the look at home, don’t forget to hydrate your cuticles afterward for healthy nails that look almost good enough to eat.
—Ranyechi Udemezue, Vogue, 21 Jan. 2025
The Ordinary’s hair density serum is formulated with peptides (amino acids are all the rage) to help make hair fuller, encourage new growth, and strengthen the hair cuticle—and shoppers are attesting to its effectiveness.
—Christina Shepherd McGuire, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for cuticle 
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Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2025
Shampooing also opens up the hair cuticles so the mask can penetrate better.
—Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2025
When recreating the look at home, don’t forget to hydrate your cuticles afterward for healthy nails that look almost good enough to eat.
—Ranyechi Udemezue, Vogue, 21 Jan. 2025
The Ordinary’s hair density serum is formulated with peptides (amino acids are all the rage) to help make hair fuller, encourage new growth, and strengthen the hair cuticle—and shoppers are attesting to its effectiveness.
—Christina Shepherd McGuire, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for cuticle
Dictionary Entries Near cuticle
Cite this Entry
“Cuticle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cuticle. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cuticle
noun
cu·ti·cle
ˈkyüt-i-kəl
1
: an outer layer (as of skin or a leaf) often produced by the cells beneath
2
: a dead or horny layer of skin especially around a fingernail
Medical Definition
cuticle
noun
cu·ti·cle
ˈkyüt-i-kəl
1
: an outer covering layer: as
a
: the outermost layer of integument composed of epidermis
b
: the outermost membranous layer of a hair consisting of cornified epithelial cells
2
: dead or horny epidermis (as that surrounding the base and sides of a fingernail or toenail)
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