cuticle

• Substantivo que designa a camada fina de tecido protetor, como a pele na base da unha ou a cobertura cerosa de uma folha. Também se refere à película externa de plantas e insetos.

A noun referring to a thin layer of protective tissue, such as the skin at the base of a fingernail or the waxy covering on a plant leaf.

1. Skin layerB2formalmedical

   The thin, protective layer of dead skin cells at the base of a fingernail or toenail.

   Cutícula

   • She gently pushed back her cuticles during the manicure.
   • Dry cuticles can be painful and prone to infection.
   • Applying oil to the cuticles helps keep them healthy.

2. Plant cuticleC1formalscientific

   A waxy, waterproof layer covering the outer surface of plant leaves and stems.

   Cutícula vegetal

   • The plant cuticle helps reduce water loss from the leaves.
   • Scientists studied the cuticle's role in protecting against pests.
   • The thickness of the cuticle varies among different plant species.