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Fingernail: meaning, definitions and examples

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fingernail

[ ˈfɪŋ.ɡərˌneɪl ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

body part

The thin hard layer on the upper surface of the tip of each finger.

Synonyms

nail.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fingernail	This term specifically refers to the nail on the fingers and is used primarily in medical, biological, or everyday contexts when discussing anatomy or personal grooming. She painted her fingernails bright red He accidentally broke his fingernail while opening the can
nail	This word can refer to both fingernails and toenails, but it can also mean a small metal spike used in construction. The context typically makes the meaning clear, so it's important to pay attention to the surrounding words. She trimmed her nails every week He hammered a nail into the wall to hang the picture

Word

Description / Examples

fingernail

This term specifically refers to the nail on the fingers and is used primarily in medical, biological, or everyday contexts when discussing anatomy or personal grooming.

She painted her fingernails bright red
He accidentally broke his fingernail while opening the can

nail

This word can refer to both fingernails and toenails, but it can also mean a small metal spike used in construction. The context typically makes the meaning clear, so it's important to pay attention to the surrounding words.

She trimmed her nails every week
He hammered a nail into the wall to hang the picture

Examples of usage

My fingernails are painted red.
I accidentally broke my fingernail.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

cosmetics

A piece of plastic or metal that is glued to the natural nail in order to make it longer or to protect it.

Synonyms

false nail, nail extension.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fingernail	Use when referring to the natural nail that grows on the fingers. It is the basic, everyday term for this part of the body. She painted her fingernails with red polish I accidentally broke a fingernail while opening the can
false nail	Use when referring to an artificial nail that people wear on top of their natural nails for cosmetic purposes. Often used in casual conversations about beauty routines. She decided to wear false nails to the party for an extra glamorous look I need to buy some new false nails for the wedding
nail extension	Use when referring to a specific type of false nail that is added to the natural nail to make it longer. Often used in professional beauty settings or when discussing more elaborate nail designs. After the manicure, she had beautiful nail extensions that made her hands look elegant Nail extensions can last up to two weeks if done properly

Word

Description / Examples

fingernail

Use when referring to the natural nail that grows on the fingers. It is the basic, everyday term for this part of the body.

She painted her fingernails with red polish
I accidentally broke a fingernail while opening the can

false nail

Use when referring to an artificial nail that people wear on top of their natural nails for cosmetic purposes. Often used in casual conversations about beauty routines.

She decided to wear false nails to the party for an extra glamorous look
I need to buy some new false nails for the wedding

nail extension

Use when referring to a specific type of false nail that is added to the natural nail to make it longer. Often used in professional beauty settings or when discussing more elaborate nail designs.

After the manicure, she had beautiful nail extensions that made her hands look elegant
Nail extensions can last up to two weeks if done properly

Examples of usage

She got acrylic fingernails for the wedding.
He prefers gel fingernails over acrylic ones.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

anatomy

The flat plate on the upper surface of an insect's leg.

Synonyms

nail.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fingernail	Use the word 'fingernail' when specifically referring to the nails on your fingers. It is often used in everyday conversation, health and beauty contexts, or when mentioning grooming. I broke a fingernail while I was cooking She painted her fingernails bright red
nail	Use the word 'nail' when referring to both fingernails and toenails or in contexts where it's clear which one you're talking about. 'Nail' is also commonly used in construction to mean a small metal spike. Be careful with this word in ambiguous contexts. He trimmed his nails this morning She hammered a nail into the wall to hang a picture

Word

Description / Examples

fingernail

Use the word 'fingernail' when specifically referring to the nails on your fingers. It is often used in everyday conversation, health and beauty contexts, or when mentioning grooming.

I broke a fingernail while I was cooking
She painted her fingernails bright red

nail

Use the word 'nail' when referring to both fingernails and toenails or in contexts where it's clear which one you're talking about. 'Nail' is also commonly used in construction to mean a small metal spike. Be careful with this word in ambiguous contexts.

He trimmed his nails this morning
She hammered a nail into the wall to hang a picture

Examples of usage

The fingernail of the beetle was shiny.
Tiny hairs can be found on the insect's fingernails.

Translations

Translations of the word "fingernail" in other languages:

🇵🇹 unha

🇮🇳 नाख़ून

🇩🇪 Fingernagel

🇮🇩 kuku

🇺🇦 ніготь

🇵🇱 paznokieć

🇯🇵 爪 (つめ)

🇫🇷 ongle

🇪🇸 uña

🇹🇷 tırnak

🇰🇷 손톱

🇸🇦 ظفر

🇨🇿 nehet

🇸🇰 necht

🇨🇳 指甲 (zhǐjiǎ)

🇸🇮 noht

🇮🇸 negl

🇰🇿 тырнақ

🇬🇪 ფრჩხილი

🇦🇿 dırnaq

🇲🇽 uña

Etymology

The term 'fingernail' dates back to the 15th century, formed by combining 'finger' and 'nail'. Fingernails have been an important part of human culture for centuries, with evidence of their care and decoration found in ancient civilizations. The evolution of fingernails as a fashion statement continues to this day, with various trends and techniques for nail care and design.