follicle
noun
fol·li·cle
ˈfä-li-kəl 
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
Examples of follicle in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Whether reshaping cartilage during rhinoplasty or preserving donor follicles for future hair density, restraint today protects options tomorrow.
—
Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
In the case of avian feather follicle development, changes at the molecular and tissue levels emerge together.
—Anna Demming, Quanta Magazine, 10 Oct. 2025
The buildup of oils, environmental grime, and product residue can clog follicles, trigger flakes, and affect growth.
—Larry Stansbury, Essence, 23 Sep. 2025
Their goal is not cosmetic repair, but to influence the follicle’s environment and improve the odds of healthy growth.
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for follicle
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Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
In the case of avian feather follicle development, changes at the molecular and tissue levels emerge together.
—Anna Demming, Quanta Magazine, 10 Oct. 2025
The buildup of oils, environmental grime, and product residue can clog follicles, trigger flakes, and affect growth.
—Larry Stansbury, Essence, 23 Sep. 2025
Their goal is not cosmetic repair, but to influence the follicle’s environment and improve the odds of healthy growth.
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for follicle
Cite this Entry
“Follicle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/follicle. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
follicle
noun
fol·li·cle
ˈfäl-i-kəl
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
Medical Definition
follicle
noun
fol·li·cle
ˈfäl-i-kəl
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
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