ˈkyüd.]ə̇kəl, -üt], ]ēk-\ noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin cuticula, diminutive of cutis skin — more at hide
1. : skin , pellicle , membrane , integument : as
a. : an external membranous or hardened noncellular investment secreted by the cells of the epidermis or by the outer surface of the body (as in anthropods)
b. : the epidermis of man or other animals lacking a noncellular integument
c. : the cell wall of a unicellular animal
2. botany : a thin continuous noncellular film of fatty substances secreted by epidermal and other cells on the external surface of many leaves, stems, fruits, and other plant organs, functioning in preventing desiccation
3. : dead or cornified epidermis (as that surrounding the base and sides of a fingernail or toenail)
4. : a thin skin formed on the surface of a liquid
5. : an outermost layer (as the bloom on the shell of an egg or the scaly outer layer of a wool fiber)