-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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
In the case of alopecia areata, even though a threat doesn't exist, the body creates antibodies to its own hair follicle structures.
—Heather L. Brannon, Md, Verywell Health, 27 Jan. 2024
If thinning strands or hair loss is a problem for you, this tool contains hundreds of 0.25mm microneedles that activate hair follicles, stimulate blood flow to the scalp, increase microcirculation, and amp up collagen production.
—Jenn Barthole, Glamour, 23 Jan. 2024
Researchers concluded that rice bran mineral extract may lengthen the time the hair follicle is in the anagen phase, which is when follicle growth occurs.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 1 Jan. 2024
There’s currently no cure for alopecia, but interventions like corticosteroids, which help reduce inflammation around hair follicles in an effort to promote hair growth, can reduce symptoms for some people with the condition, per the National Alopecia Areata Foundation.
—Ayana Underwood, SELF, 30 Jan. 2024
Genetics | Stress | Tight hairstyles | Styling habits | Dandruff | Inflamed hair follicles | Hormone fluctuations | Autoimmune disorders | When to see a doctor
1.
—Krissy Brady, SELF, 8 Feb. 2024
Alopecia is an autoimmune disease wherein a person’s body attacks its own healthy hair follicles.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 30 Jan. 2024
For a little bit of background: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that attacks hair follicles, resulting in patchy or bald spots on the body.
—Ayana Underwood, SELF, 30 Jan. 2024
Speaking of hair follicles, interestingly (to me, at least), the mole next to my nose was never a hair-sprouter.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 4 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hair follicle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1838, in the meaning defined above
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 Mar. 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
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hair follicle
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share