Definition of: cuticle

(ky′ti·kəl) noun
1. The outer layer of cells that protect the true skin; epidermis; scarfskin.
2. Any superficial covering.
3. Zool. A thick lining membrane, as the cell integument of protozoa.
4. The crescent of toughened skin around the base of a finger-nail or toenail.
5. Bot. A continuous hyaline film covering the surface of a plant, derived from the layers of epidermal cells. Also cu·tic·u·la (ky·tik′yə·lə). [<L cuticula, dim. of cutis skin]
—cu·tic′u·lar adjective