cuticle
UK: ˈkjuːtɪk(ə)l | US: ˈkjuːtɪk(ə)l
n. the outer layer of skin, especially the dead skin at the base of a fingernail or toenail
n. (botany) a protective waxy layer covering the epidermis of leaves and young plants
cuticle = cuti<skin> + cle<small>
- cuti: Derived from Latin cutis (skin), referring to the outer protective layer.
- cle: A diminutive suffix in Latin (-culus), indicating something small or thin.
Etymology Origin:
The word cuticle traces back to Latin cuticula, a diminutive of cutis (skin). It originally described the thin outer layer of skin or bark, later specialized in botany and anatomy. The suffix -cle subtly emphasizes its delicate, small-scale nature—a "little skin" protecting surfaces like nails or plant leaves.
She gently pushed back the cuticle around her nails during the manicure.
The plant's cuticle helps prevent water loss in dry climates.
Damaged cuticles can lead to painful hangnails.
A healthy cuticle gives leaves their glossy appearance.
The dermatologist explained how the cuticle acts as a barrier against infections.