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Definition of cuticle

cuticle

/ˈkjuː.tɪ.kəl/
cu · ti · cle
Plural:cuticles
•
Adjective:cuticular
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cuticle Lexical Profile

cuticle Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The narrow strip of hardened, dead skin at the base and sides of a fingernail or toenail.

Example

"The manicurist gently applied warm oil to soften the cuticles before shaping her nails."

2

The outermost layer of a human hair shaft, composed of overlapping, scale-like cells that protect the inner cortex.

Example

"Excessive heat styling can damage the hair cuticle, leaving the strands dry and brittle."

3

A protective, often waxy or tough non-cellular outer covering secreted by the epidermis of plants or invertebrates to prevent water loss and injury.

Example

"Desert succulents possess a thick waxy cuticle on their leaves to minimize evaporation in arid climates."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for cuticle

• Rhymes for cuticle

• Nearby Words

cuteness
cutesiness
cutesy
cuticle
cutie
cutlass
cutlassfish

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Latin cuticula, the diminutive form of cutis ('skin'), literally meaning 'little skin'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cuticle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cuticle
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