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

Powerful natural ingredients, like rosemary oil, are infused in this elixir to reinvigorate the scalp, strengthen hair, and nourish hair follicles for thicker, healthier hair over time. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2024

The tool, which is one of the more budget-friendly on our list, contains 540 0.25mm stainless steel microneedles that activate hair follicles, stimulate blood flow to the scalp, increase microcirculation, and amp up collagen production. —Jenn Barthole, Glamour, 31 Oct. 2024

People with this condition have immune systems that attack their hair follicles. —Corey Whelan, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2024

Premature gray or white hair: Certain stem cells in our hair follicles contain melanin that provide pigment to our hair — but many people lose these stem cells with age. —Trisha Pasricha, Washington Post, 22 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

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