cuticle

cu·ti·cle

noun \ˈkyüt-i-kəl\

Definition of CUTICLE

1

: an outer covering layer: as a : the outermost layer of integument composed of epidermis b : the outermost membranous layer of a hair consisting of cornified epithelial cells

2

: dead or horny epidermis (as that surrounding the base and sides of a fingernail or toenail)

—cu·tic·u·lar \kyu̇-ˈtik-yə-lər\ adjective