Hangnail: meaning, definitions and examples
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hangnail
[ ˈhæŋneɪl ]
nail injury
A hangnail is a small piece of skin that has torn away from the side of a fingernail or toenail. It can be uncomfortable or painful and may become irritated or infected if not properly cared for.
Synonyms
skin tear, torn cuticle.
Examples of usage
- I got a hangnail while gardening.
- She bit her hangnail and it started to bleed.
- After the manicure, I noticed a hangnail on my finger.
- He often gets hangnails during the winter months.
Translations
Translations of the word "hangnail" in other languages:
🇵🇹 unha en carne
🇮🇳 नाखून का टुकड़ा
🇩🇪 Nagelbettentzündung
🇮🇩 kuku terkelupas
🇺🇦 зайвий ніготь
🇵🇱 wrastający paznokieć
🇯🇵 ささくれ
🇫🇷 peau de ongle
🇪🇸 uñas encarnadas
🇹🇷 tırnak et parçaları
🇰🇷 손톱의 갈라짐
🇸🇦 تمزق الظفر
🇨🇿 záděrka
🇸🇰 zahnutý nehet
🇨🇳 指甲刺破
🇸🇮 raztrgan noht
🇮🇸 naglabrot
🇰🇿 тырнақтың жарылуы
🇬🇪 ნაგლახი
🇦🇿 dırnaq qırığı
🇲🇽 uña dañada
Etymology
The term 'hangnail' originated in the English language during the early 20th century. It is a compound word formed from 'hang,' meaning to be suspended or attached loosely, and 'nail,' referring to the hard covering at the end of fingers and toes. The usage of 'hangnail' implies that the small piece of skin is loosely hanging from the nail area, typically due to damage or injury. Despite being a common annoyance, hangnails have been a part of human anatomy for ages. The word captures the essence of this minor ailment succinctly, illustrating the relationship between the skin and nail structures. In various cultures, attention to hangnails has also been associated with notions of personal grooming and hygiene, emphasizing why many people seek relief from this condition.