hair follicle

noun

: the tubular epithelial sheath that surrounds the lower part of the hair shaft and encloses at the bottom a vascular papilla supplying the growing basal part of the hair with nourishment see hair illustration

Examples of hair follicle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The holistic treatment seeks to not only apply the line’s actives to the hair but to reduce overall stress—after all, stress to the body impacts the hair follicle. Jessica Ourisman, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 The charcoal formula is said to have detoxifying properties that help draw out any impurities clogging the hair follicle that cause buildup on the scalp and lead to itchiness. Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2024 The device will emit flashes to disable the hair follicles. Iman Balagam, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2024 The helmet works by applying a small compressive force across the entire surface of the scalp, causing the tiny capillaries around the hair follicle to collapse. Jacopo Prisco, CNN, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hair follicle 

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hair follicle was in 1838

Dictionary Entries Near hair follicle

Cite this Entry

“Hair follicle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hair%20follicle. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

hair follicle

noun
: the tube-shaped sheath surrounding the lower part of a hair shaft

Medical Definition

hair follicle

noun
: the tubular epithelial sheath that surrounds the lower part of the hair shaft and encloses at the bottom a vascular papilla supplying the growing basal part of the hair with nourishment

More from Merriam-Webster on hair follicle

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