follicle

 
Pronunciation: /ˈfɒlɪk(ə)l/

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'