nail bed

noun

: the vascular epidermis upon which most of the fingernail or toenail rests that has a longitudinally ridged surface often visible through the nail

Examples of nail bed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Especially seek immediate medical attention if your child – or anyone who's ill with RSV – has difficulty breathing, a high fever, or a blue color to the skin, particularly on the lips and in the nail beds, the Mayo Clinic recommends. —Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 31 Dec. 2024

Lindsay’s nails cause the color of the nail bed to look half white and half red or brown, whereas Terry’s nails cause the nail bed to look mostly white or washed-out, per Cleveland Clinic. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 12 Nov. 2024

Capsaicin can be lethal to rats and mice, and symptoms of acute oral toxicity can include a staggering gait, skin redness, and cyanosis — blue lips, nail beds, and skin due to low oxygen levels. —Amiah Taylor, Discover Magazine, 13 Nov. 2024

These habits can cause damage to the nail matrix, nail bed, nail plate, and surrounding skin, slowing nail growth. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 18 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

nail bed

noun

: the vascular epidermis upon which most of the fingernail or toenail rests that has a longitudinally ridged surface often visible through the nail

also : matrix sense 1b