CUTICLE


Meaning of CUTICLE in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ ˈkyü-ti-kəl ]

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 kyu̇-ˈti-kyə-lər adjective

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.