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
Examples of follicle in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The empty follicle that released the egg transforms into something called the corpus luteum, producing hormones that continue preparing your body for potential pregnancy.
—
Shivani Somaiya, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2025
The medications send the reproductive system into overdrive, encouraging the maximum number of egg-containing follicles to grow and mature at once.
—Kristen V. Brown, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2025
Rich shampoos, conditioners, and stylers can clog pores and follicles.
—Jennifer Li, Glamour, 27 Jan. 2025
The condition, which is due to an immune attack on follicles, can sometimes be so severe even a person’s eyelashes and eyebrows may fall out.
—Taylor Dutch, SELF, 30 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for follicle 
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Shivani Somaiya, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2025
The medications send the reproductive system into overdrive, encouraging the maximum number of egg-containing follicles to grow and mature at once.
—Kristen V. Brown, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2025
Rich shampoos, conditioners, and stylers can clog pores and follicles.
—Jennifer Li, Glamour, 27 Jan. 2025
The condition, which is due to an immune attack on follicles, can sometimes be so severe even a person’s eyelashes and eyebrows may fall out.
—Taylor Dutch, SELF, 30 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for follicle
Dictionary Entries Near follicle
Cite this Entry
“Follicle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/follicle. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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)
2
: a dry one-celled fruit (as in the milkweed) that splits open by one seam when ripe
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
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