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

Time Traveler
The first known use of hair follicle was in 1838

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

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