follicle

noun

fol·​li·​cle ˈfä-li-kəl How to pronounce follicle (audio)
1
a
: a small anatomical cavity or deep narrow-mouthed depression
b
: a small lymph node
c
: a vesicle in the mammalian ovary that contains a developing egg surrounded by a covering of cells
especially : graafian follicle
2
: a dry dehiscent one-celled many-seeded fruit (as of the milkweed) that has a single carpel and opens along one suture
follicular adjective

Examples of follicle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The claim is that this molecule, which is in all of the brand’s products, can promote healthier cell turnover, which yields brighter and firmer skin, or stronger and fortified follicles. Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 22 Feb. 2024 Taking supplements with ashwagandha, which has been shown to reduce stress, support healthy cortisol, and enhance sleep quality, and has anti-inflammatory properties that may protect the scalp from environmental stressors and reduces inflammation around the follicles, according to Dr. Green. Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 15 Sep. 2023 Becht explained that the theory is that EDCs can lead to more oxidative stress and free radicals that decrease ovarian follicles and decrease Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) production. Michelle Pugle, Health, 31 Jan. 2024 The formula contains 3,000 active growth factors, cytokines, and exosomes in a single milliliter and has been proven to increase follicle cell growth by 24 percent. Ahmed Zambarakji, Robb Report, 5 Feb. 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 Around day four, follicle ripening begins to increase as the ovaries start preparing an egg for release. Holly Eagleson, Parents, 30 Nov. 2023 An antral follicle count (AFC) or ultrasound to count the follicles that house the eggs can also be done for another value in interpreting ovarian reserve, Becht added. Michelle Pugle, Health, 31 Jan. 2024 While alopecia can affect any part of the body, like the arms and legs, hair loss due to alopecia most often affects the follicles on the scalp. Ayana Underwood, SELF, 30 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word '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

Etymology

New Latin folliculus, from Latin, diminutive of follis bag — more at fool

First Known Use

1715, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of follicle was in 1715

Dictionary Entries Near follicle

Cite this Entry

“Follicle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/follicle. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

follicle

noun
fol·​li·​cle ˈfäl-i-kəl How to pronounce follicle (audio)
1
a
: a small cavity or a deep bodily depression with a narrow mouth (as one from which a hair grows)
2
: a dry one-celled fruit (as in the milkweed) that splits open by one seam when ripe
follicular adjective

Medical Definition

follicle

noun
fol·​li·​cle ˈfäl-i-kəl How to pronounce follicle (audio)
1
: a small anatomical cavity or deep narrow-mouthed depression
especially : a small simple or slightly branched gland : crypt
2
: a small lymph node
3
: a vesicle in the mammalian ovary that contains a developing egg surrounded by a covering of cells : ovarian follicle
especially : graafian follicle
follicular adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on follicle

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