eponychium
/ˌɛpəˈnɪkiəm/
Word Rarity
Very rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 0.00 in modern English
22
Scrabble Score
10
Letters
3
Syllables
10
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
The thickened layer of skin adjoining fingernails and toenails, particularly at the base of the nail.
Example Sentences
- "The nail is replaced to provide a physiologic dressing and to splint open the eponychium so that a new nail will grow in place."
- "The cuticle (KYOO-tih-kul) is the crescent of dead, colorless tissue attached to the nail plate around the base of the nail. It forms a seal between the eponychium and the nail plate to prevent the entry of foreign materials and microorganisms and to help prevent injury and infection."
- "Every nail has a lunula, but some lunulas are short and remain hidden under the eponychium."
- "The eponychium overlies and protects the proximal portion of the nail and the germinal matrix."
- "The hooves are tipped with collagenous eponychia, which prevents damage to the amnion and beyond."
- "2014, Kevin T. Corley, Jonna M. Jokisolo, Chapter 172: Evaluation of the Compromised Neonatal Foal, Kim A. Sprayberry, N. Edward Robinson, Robinson's Current Therapy in Equine Medicine, 7th Edition, page 720, The presence of eponychium (also called “foal slippers”) on the feet (Figure 172-3) is indicative that the foal has not yet stood."
Etymology
From Ancient Greek ἐπί (epí, “on top of”) + ὀνῠ́χιον (onŭ́khion, “little claw”, diminutive of ὄνυξ (ónux)).
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˌɛpəˈnɪkiəm/
- British English: /ɛpəʊˈnɪkɪəm/
Inflected Forms
Phrases
nail fold
Frequently Paired Words
Synonyms
medial nail fold
proximal nail fold