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cuticle

[ kyoo-ti-kuhl ]

noun

  1. the nonliving epidermis that surrounds the edges of the fingernail or toenail.
  2. the epidermis.
  3. a superficial integument, membrane, or the like.
  4. Also called cuticula. Zoology. the outer, noncellular layer of the arthropod integument, composed of a mixture of chitin and protein and commonly containing other hardening substances as well.
  5. Botany. a very thin hyaline film covering the surface of plants, derived from the outer surfaces of the epidermal cells.


cuticle

/ ˈkjuːtɪkəl; kjuːˈtɪkjʊlə /

noun

  1. dead skin, esp that round the base of a fingernail or toenail
  2. another name for epidermis
  3. any covering layer or membrane
  4. the protective layer, containing cutin, that covers the epidermis of higher plants
  5. the hard protective layer covering the epidermis of many invertebrates


cuticle

/ kyo̅o̅tĭ-kəl /

  1. The noncellular, hardened or membranous protective covering of many invertebrates, such as the transparent membrane that covers annelids.
  2. A layer of wax and cutin that covers the outermost surfaces of a plant. The cuticle is secreted by the epidermis and helps prevent water loss and infection by parasites.
  3. The hard skin around the sides and base of a fingernail or toenail.


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Derived Forms

  • cuticular, adjective

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Other Words From

  • cu·tic·u·lar [kyoo-, tik, -y, uh, -ler], adjective
  • subcu·ticu·lar adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of cuticle1

1605–15; < Latin cutīcula the skin, equivalent to cuti ( s ) skin, cutis + -cula -cle 1

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Word History and Origins

Origin of cuticle1

C17: from Latin cutīcula diminutive of cutis skin

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Example Sentences

A study now finds that tiny hairs on that cuticle act as a lubricant.

Tree leaves, we read, possess transparent lens-like cuticles that may function as primitive eyes.

It doesn’t seem logical to me to focus light if photosynthesis is the only goal, because the cuticle could simply let the sun’s rays through.

In several plants, the cuticle is constructed in the shape of a lens, which means that it focuses light, making the cuticle functionally similar to the lens in our eye.

Baluška directed me to research being done on the cuticle or outer layer of leaves.

As the disease subsides, the cuticle comes off (desquamates) in patches.

We hold it morally impossible to attend a picnic and come home pure in heart and undefiled of cuticle.

Flesh: Rich, bright yellow, red immediately beneath the cuticle.

The cuticle is an obstacle to galvanic effects; they are always feebly manifested in parts covered by it.

He, at least, could have dropped an unconventional word, done something to pierce the cuticle.

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