Follicle Meaning and Definition
Follicle
Pronunciation
/fəˈlɪkəl/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A small pouch or sac, typically found in tissues such as skin, hair, or ovaries, that contains or surrounds a group of cells.
Etymology
The word “follicle” comes from the Latin word “folliculus,” meaning “small bag” or “pouch.”
Usage Notes
Follicles are often used in medical contexts to refer to small organs or sacs in the body. For example, the hair follicle is a small sac in the skin that produces hair.
Cultural References
The term “follicle” has been used in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. For example, in the novel “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath, the protagonist describes feeling like a “hair follicle” in her mind.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Hair follicle” is often used as a metaphor for a small, enclosed space.
Related Words or Phrases
- Organ
- Sac
- Cells
Collocations
- Follicle development
- Hair follicle growth
Frequency of Use
The term “follicle” is relatively uncommon in everyday conversation, but it is widely used in medical and scientific contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Follical
- Follicule