cuticle
1. [ noun ] (anatomy) the outer layer of the skin covering the exterior body surface of vertebrates
Synonyms: epidermis
Related terms: stratum mantle skin nail stratum_granulosum stratum_lucidum stratum_germinativum stratum_corneum epidermal_cell
2. [ noun ] (zoology) the hard protective layer covering the body of many invertebrates especially arthropods
Synonyms: shell carapace
Related terms: body_covering exoskeleton cuticula mollusk arthropod turtle shell
Similar spelling:   cuticula
  cuticular