cuticle
UK[ˈkjuːtɪk(ə)l]US[ˈkjuːtɪk(ə)l]
n
the hard skin at the base of a fingernail or toenail.
n
the outer layer of skin, especially that of an insect or plant.
Morpheme Breakdown
cuti
cle
cuti
skin
cle
small/diminutive suffix
Etymology
the word 'cuticle' entered english in the early 17th century, borrowed directly from latin 'cuticula', which is a diminutive form of 'cutis' (skin). the latin 'cutis' itself can be traced back to the proto-indo-european root (s)keu-, meaning 'to cover' or 'to conceal', a root that also gave rise to words like 'hide' and 'sky'. the literal meaning of 'cuticle' is therefore 'a little skin', which evolved to refer specifically to the thin, protective outer layer found on plants, insects, and the base of human nails.
Analysis
Structure: cuti (skin) + cle (small/diminutive suffix)
cuti originates from latin 'cutis', meaning 'skin'. cle is a diminutive suffix derived from latin '-culus', indicating something small.
Examples
she gently pushed back the cuticles during her manicure.
the plant's cuticle helps to prevent water loss.
a waxy cuticle protects the insect from dehydration.