Meaning & use

follicle

noun·Academic

A small sac-like cavity in the skin from which a hair grows.

See it in a sentence

Damaged hair follicles can shrink over time, causing strands to grow thinner.

The dermatologist examined the scalp closely to check whether the follicles were inflamed.

A note on using this word

Follicle also names other small biological sacs, such as ovarian follicles that hold developing egg cells; context determines which is meant.

Words with a similar meaning

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Another way to use it

2. noun

A small fluid-filled sac in an ovary that contains a developing egg cell.

Doctors tracked the growth of several follicles during her fertility treatment.

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