Cuticle: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in everyday conversations referring to the thin layer of skin along the bottom edge of your fingernails or toenails.

• My cuticles are so dry this winter.
• You should gently push back your cuticles during a manicure.

Mostly used in medical or scientific contexts to describe the thickened layer of skin around the nails of hands or feet.

• The doctor examined the eponychium for signs of infection.
• During the anatomy class, we learned about the eponychium.

Used in medical or scientific discussions to describe the skin surrounding the fingernails and toenails.

• The dermatalogist noted some inflammation in the periungual skin.
• Proper care should be taken to avoid infections in the periungual skin.

Use this word when referring to the protective, waxy or hard layer covering the epidermis of a plant or the base of the fingernail in humans.

• The cuticle of the leaf helps to reduce water loss.
• She applied cuticle oil to keep her nails healthy.

This term is best used to refer to the outer layer of cells in animals and plants. It is more technical and often used in scientific or medical contexts.

• The epidermis is the body's first line of defense against bacteria.
• In botany class, we studied the structure of the epidermis in different leaves.

This word should be used when discussing the outer protective tissue that replaces epidermis in plants during secondary growth. It is a more advanced and specific term.

• The periderm consists of the phellogen, phellem, and phelloderm.
• As the tree grows, the periderm replaces the epidermis to provide better protection.