The term “cuticle” has a couple of meanings in different contexts:
1. **Anatomy/Biology**: In humans and animals, the cuticle refers to a layer of dead skin that surrounds the base of a nail, protecting the area from infection and injury. It can also refer to the outermost layer of skin or epidermis in some organisms.
2. **Botany**: In plants, the cuticle is a waxy, protective layer that covers the epidermis of leaves and stems, helping to reduce water loss and protect against environmental factors.
3. **Nail Care**: In the context of nail care, the cuticle denotes the thin layer of skin at the base of fingernails and toenails.
Overall, the term is generally associated with protective outer layers in both biological and botanical contexts.
