1646, from L. folliculus "little bag," dim. of follis "bellows, inflated ball," from PIE *bhol-n-, suffixed form of *bhel- "to blow, swell" (see bole).
Main Entry: fol·li·cle Pronunciation: 'fäl-i-k&l Function: noun 1: a small anatomical cavity or deep narrow-moutheddepression; especially: a small simple or slightly branched gland :CRYPT 2: asmall lymph node 3: a vesicle in the mammalian ovary that contains a developing egg surrounded by a covering of cells :OVARIAN FOLLICLE; especially:GRAAFIAN FOLLICLE —fol·lic·u·lar/f&-'lik-y&-l&r, fä-/adjective