n.
Pronunciation: ' kyü-ti-k ə l
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin cuticula, diminutive of cutis skin ― more at HIDE
Date: 1615
1 : an outer covering layer: as a : an external envelope (as of an insect) secreted usually by epidermal cells b : the outermost layer of animal integument composed of epidermis c : a thin continuous fatty or waxy film on the external surface of many higher plants that consists chiefly of cutin d : the outermost membranous layer of a hair consisting of overlapping scales of epithelial cells
2 : dead or horny epidermis
– cu · tic · u · lar \ kyu ̇ - ' ti-ky ə -l ə r \ adjective