toenail

UK: ˈtəʊneɪl | US: ˈtoʊneɪl

Definition

  1. n. the hard, protective plate at the end of a toe

  2. n. (informal) a nail or spike driven at an angle to fasten pieces of wood

Structure
toe <digit of the foot>nail <hard keratin plate>
Etymology

The word "toenail" is a straightforward compound of "toe" (Old English tā, meaning "digit of the foot") and "nail" (Old English nægl, meaning "hard keratin plate"). It emerged in Middle English (as tonayl) to describe the anatomical feature, later extending metaphorically to carpentry (19th century) for angled fasteners resembling toenails in shape.

Examples

  1. She painted her toenails bright red for the summer.

  2. He stubbed his toe and bruised the toenail.

  3. The carpenter used toenails to secure the joists.

  4. Fungal infections can cause discolored toenails.

  5. Trim your toenails straight across to avoid ingrowth.