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follicle

Pronunciation: /ˈfɒlɪk(ə)l/

Definition of follicle

noun

  • 1 Anatomy a small secretory cavity, sac, or gland, in particular:
  • (also hair follicle) the sheath of cells and connective tissue which surrounds the root of a hair.
  • short for Graafian follicle.
  • 2 Botany a dry fruit that is derived from a single carpel and opens on one side only to release its seeds.

Derivatives

follicular

Pronunciation: /fɒˈlɪkjʊlə/

adjective

follicularly

adverb

folliculate

Pronunciation: /-lət/

adjective

folliculated

Pronunciation: /fɒˈlɪkjʊleɪtɪd/

adjective

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin folliculus 'little bag', diminutive of follis 'bellows'

follicle in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of follicle in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

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