keratinocyte
noun
ke·ra·ti·no·cyte
kə-ˈra-tə-nə-ˌsīt 
ˌker-ə-ˈti-
ˌker-ə-ˈti-
plural keratinocytes
: a cell of the epidermis that produces keratin, is formed in the basal epidermal layer above the dermis, divides to produce more keratinocytes, and ultimately migrates into the outer protective layers of the skin and undergoes final differentiation into a corneocyte
… keratinocytes gain their strength from fibrous proteins called keratins, which assemble into long, intertwined cables.—
Steven Lanier McKnight
Steven Lanier McKnightExamples of keratinocyte in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Of these, seven showed clear anti-aging effects when tested directly on aged human fibroblasts (cells that form connective tissue) and keratinocytes (the major cell type of the outermost layers of the skin) in the lab.
—New Atlas, 10 Aug. 2025
The outermost layer of skin, known as the epidermis, is made up of a fibrous protein called keratin, which is produced by skin cells called keratinocytes, Dr. Gohara explains.
—Victoria Moorhouse, Allure, 30 July 2025
This indicates vitamin C stimulates keratinocyte growth and division.
—Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 30 June 2025
Overall, Sensitive Skin Soothing Care was conceived to counteract keratinocytes, or skin cells, to reduce sensitivity.
—Jennifer Weil, WWD, 14 Jan. 2025
Among them, the epidermal growth factor that gets the hero treatment in the brand’s core range; keratinocyte growth factor, which boosts the skin barrier, and interleukin-1 alpha, which aids in firmness.
—James Manso, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
For example, the program was able to distinguish between keratinocyte carcinomas—the most common human skin cancer—and benign skin growths called seborrheic keratoses.
—IEEE Spectrum, 25 Jan. 2017
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New Atlas, 10 Aug. 2025
The outermost layer of skin, known as the epidermis, is made up of a fibrous protein called keratin, which is produced by skin cells called keratinocytes, Dr. Gohara explains.
—Victoria Moorhouse, Allure, 30 July 2025
This indicates vitamin C stimulates keratinocyte growth and division.
—Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 30 June 2025
Overall, Sensitive Skin Soothing Care was conceived to counteract keratinocytes, or skin cells, to reduce sensitivity.
—Jennifer Weil, WWD, 14 Jan. 2025
Among them, the epidermal growth factor that gets the hero treatment in the brand’s core range; keratinocyte growth factor, which boosts the skin barrier, and interleukin-1 alpha, which aids in firmness.
—James Manso, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
For example, the program was able to distinguish between keratinocyte carcinomas—the most common human skin cancer—and benign skin growths called seborrheic keratoses.
—IEEE Spectrum, 25 Jan. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Keratinocyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keratinocyte. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
keratinocyte
noun
ke·ra·ti·no·cyte
kə-ˈrat-ᵊn-ə-ˌsīt
ˌker-ə-ˈtin-
ˌker-ə-ˈtin-
: an epidermal cell that produces keratin
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