The word “cuticula” is derived from Latin, and it typically refers to a small or thin layer of dead skin or a protective covering. In biological contexts, it can describe the outer layer of the skin or a similar protective layer in plants or animals. In botany, for example, it often refers to the cuticle, a waxy or fatty layer found on the surface of plant leaves and stems that helps prevent water loss. In dermatology, it may refer to the skin around the nails.