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cuticles

 [kyoo-ti-kuhl]   Origin

cu·ti·cle

   [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.
Origin:
1605–15; < Latin cutīcula the skin, equivalent to cuti(s) skin, cutis + -cula -cle1

Related forms
cu·tic·u·lar  [kyoo-tik-yuh-ler] , adjective
sub·cu·tic·u·lar, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Cuticles is always a great word to know.
So is callithumpian. Does it mean:
a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes.
a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison.
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

cuticle
1615, from L. cuticula, dim. of cutis "skin," from PIE *ku-ti-, from base *(s)keu- "to cover, conceal" (cf. Lith. kiautas "husk," O.E. hyd "skin, hide;" see hide (n.1)). Specialized sense of "skin at the base of the nail" is from 1907.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Medical Dictionary

cuticle cu·ti·cle (ky&oomacr;'tĭ-kəl)
n.

  1. The strip of hardened skin at the base and sides of a fingernail or toenail.

  2. The outermost layer of the skin; epidermis.

  3. Dead or cornified epidermis.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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American Heritage
Science Dictionary
cuticle   (ky'tĭ-kəl)  Pronunciation Key 

  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.


The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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