follicle

noun

fol·​li·​cle ˈfä-li-kəl 

1

a

: a small anatomical cavity or deep narrow-mouthed depression

b

: a small lymph node

c

: a vesicle in the mammalian ovary that contains a developing egg surrounded by a covering of cells

especially : graafian follicle

2

: a dry dehiscent one-celled many-seeded fruit (as of the milkweed) that has a single carpel and opens along one suture

follicular

fə-ˈli-kyə-lər 

fä-

adjective

Examples of follicle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While there’s no one solution for hair loss, and there is debate around whether over-the-counter products like shampoos for hair growth truly work, experts say the right formulas can help preserve your existing follicles—especially when used in tandem with medical treatments and supplements. —Malia Griggs, Glamour, 17 Mar. 2025

Step 2: Cleaning and Exfoliation A soothing oil blend of lavender, cypress, cedar wood, and rosemary was massaged on to the scalp to ease the senses and open up the follicles. —Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025

Shark sharpened its focus on scalp health with these launches — each features a Scalp Shield setting that, when activated, decreases the airflow temperature to reduce potential damage to follicles. —Claire Sullivan, WWD, 21 Feb. 2025

People exfoliate their scalps to help the hair and scalp stay healthy and clean and prevent pores and hair-growing follicles from clogging. —Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin folliculus, from Latin, diminutive of follis bag — more at fool

First Known Use

1715, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing follicle

• follicle mite
• follicle-stimulating hormone
• graafian follicle
• hair follicle

Rhymes for follicle

• diabolical
• symbolical

Kids Definition

follicle

noun

fol·​li·​cle ˈfäl-i-kəl 

1

a

: a small cavity or a deep bodily depression with a narrow mouth (as one from which a hair grows)

b

: graafian follicle

2

: a dry one-celled fruit (as in the milkweed) that splits open by one seam when ripe

follicular

fə-ˈlik-yə-lər 

fä-

adjective

Medical Definition

follicle

noun

fol·​li·​cle ˈfäl-i-kəl 

1

: a small anatomical cavity or deep narrow-mouthed depression

especially : a small simple or slightly branched gland : crypt

2

: a small lymph node

3

: a vesicle in the mammalian ovary that contains a developing egg surrounded by a covering of cells : ovarian follicle

especially : graafian follicle

follicular

fə-ˈlik-yə-lər, fä- 

adjective