The term ‘cuticle’ has a couple of definitions depending on the context:
1. **Biology**: In the context of biology, a cuticle refers to a protective, waxy or hard layer covering the surfaces of plants, or it can refer to the outer layer of skin, particularly on the edges of fingernails and toenails. In plants, the cuticle helps to prevent water loss.
2. **Anatomy**: In human anatomy, the cuticle refers specifically to the thin layer of dead skin that sits at the base of the nails. It serves to protect the area between the skin and the nail from infections.
Overall, a cuticle is primarily associated with protection in both plant and anatomical contexts.
