cuticle
KYOO-tih-kuhl
/ˈkjuːtɪkəl/
The strip of hardened, dead skin at the base and sides of a fingernail or toenail.
In nail care, the cuticle refers specifically to the dead skin overlapping the nail plate, which must be moisturized and gently pushed back rather than aggressively cut.
The story behind the word. The word cuticle comes from the Latin 'cuticula', which is a diminutive form of 'cutis', meaning 'skin'. Thus, it literally translates to 'little skin', perfectly describing the thin, protective layer at the base of our nails.
Word relationships
- eponychium: Eponychium refers specifically to the living skin at the base of the nail, whereas cuticle is the dead skin layer.
Commonly confused with
- lunula: The lunula is the white, half-moon-shaped area at the base of the nail, while the cuticle is the skin overlapping it.
Word family
- cuticular (adjective): Relating to the cuticle or skin layer.
Collocations
- cuticle oil
- cuticle pusher
- dry cuticles
- push back the cuticle
Example sentences
- "Applying cuticle oil daily is essential to prevent the skin around your nails from cracking and peeling." A professional advice column on maintaining healthy nails during winter.
Memory hook
Think of a 'cute little' piece of skin guarding the base of your nail. Cute little skin barrier.
When not to use
Do not confuse the cuticle with the eponychium, which is the living skin that borders the nail plate.
Fun facts
- The cuticle acts as an important barrier to protect new, growing nails from bacterial infections.
- In botany, a cuticle is also the protective waxy layer covering the leaves of plants.
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