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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
The skin around the nail may also feel sensitive or painful as the toenail separates from the nail bed.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 21 Oct. 2024
Instead of a slightly-rounded tip that mirrors the shape of the nail bed, as in a traditional French manicure, the line might be squiggly or two-toned, like this example by Brush.
—Megan Decker, refinery29.com, 15 Feb. 2024
Inflammation can affect the nail bed and nail matrix and change how nails grow, leading to the appearance of ridges.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 3 Oct. 2024
Like a hair mask, nail strengtheners penetrate the nail bed with hydrating ingredients.
—Jessie Quinn, People.com, 2 Oct. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1883, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near nail bed
Cite this Entry
“Nail bed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nail%20bed. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.
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
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