|epə̇, |epē+ noun
( -s )
Etymology: epi- + cuticle
1. also epi·cuticula “+
[ epicuticula, New Latin, from epi- + cuticula cuticle]
: the outermost nonchitinous waxy layer of the insect exoskeleton — compare endocuticle
2. : an outer resistant membrane surrounding various cuticular structures (as wool fibers, animal hairs, or feathers)
• epi·cuticular “+ adjective