fingernail

[fing-ger-neyl]

noun

1. the nail at the end of a finger.

2. Printing.,  a parenthesis.

fingernail

/ ˈfɪŋɡəˌneɪl /

noun

1. a thin horny translucent plate covering part of the dorsal surface of the end joint of each finger

Word History and Origins

Origin of fingernail¹

Middle English word dating back to 1200–50; finger, nail

Example Sentences

Cardi B was cleared of assault by a Los Angeles jury after a security guard sued her for $24 million in a fingernail attack.

From BBC

It is smaller than your fingernail, but this hairy beetle is one of the biggest single threats to the UK's forests.

From BBC

He then moved on to Cardi B's fingernails, asking her how long they were.

From BBC

A plastic surgeon testified that he had treated Ms Ellis for a "hyper-sensitive" scar on her cheek, "most likely" caused by fingernails, after first examining her in 2022.

From BBC

She alleged Cardi B spat on her, took a swing at her and scratched her left cheek with a 2- to 3-inch fingernail.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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