Cuticle

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈkjuːtɪkÉ™l/
• Rhymes: -ɪkÉ™l

Origin

From Latin cuticula ("cuticle, skin").

Full definition of cuticle

Noun

1. The outermost layer of the skin of vertebrates; the epidermis.
2. The strip of hardened skin at the base and sides of a fingernail or toenail.
3. Dead or cornified epidermis.
4. (zoology, botany) A noncellular protective covering outside the epidermis of many invertebrates and plants.
5. A thin skin formed on the surface of a liquid.

Synonyms

• zoology, botany (outer protective covering) cuticula

Derived terms

• cuticular
• epicuticle
• exocuticle
• mescocuticle
• procuticle