cuticle

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cu·ti·cle / ˈkyoōtikəl/ • n. 1. the outer layer of living tissue, in particular: ∎  Bot. & Zool. a protective and waxy or hard layer covering the epidermis of a plant, invertebrate, or shell. ∎  the outer cellular layer of a hair. ∎  Zool. another term for epidermis.2. the dead skin at the base of a fingernail or toenail.DERIVATIVES: cu·tic·u·lar / kyoōˈtikyələr/ adj.

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