follicle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “follicle” mean?
A small cavity, sac, or gland in the body, especially one from which a hair grows.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small cavity, sac, or gland in the body, especially one from which a hair grows.
In botany, a dry fruit that splits open along one seam to release its seeds.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general discourse but standard in relevant technical fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “follicle” in a Sentence
[adjective] + folliclefollicle + [verb (e.g., produces, contains)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “follicle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The treatment aims to folliculate the dormant cells.
- The tissue did not folliculate properly.
American English
- The new drug may help folliculate the scalp.
- Researchers observed the cells beginning to folliculate.
adjective
British English
- The follicular phase is key to the menstrual cycle.
- She has a follicular disorder affecting her skin.
American English
- Follicular lymphoma is a type of blood cancer.
- The doctor noted follicular hyperkeratosis.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in businesses related to cosmetics, dermatology, or fertility treatments.
Academic
Common in biology, medicine, dermatology, and botany papers.
Everyday
Uncommon. Might be heard in contexts related to hair care, skin conditions, or fertility discussions.
Technical
Standard terminology in anatomy, physiology, endocrinology, and plant sciences.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “follicle”
- Misspelling as 'folical' or 'folicle'.
- Using it as a general term for 'pore'.
- Confusing 'ovarian follicle' with the egg itself.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while 'hair follicle' is the most common collocation, the term also refers to structures in the ovary (ovarian follicles) and a type of dry fruit in plants.
The primary adjective is 'follicular' (e.g., follicular phase, follicular fluid).
Not in standard usage. The verb 'folliculate' exists but is highly technical and rare.
A pore is a small opening on the skin's surface, often for sweat. A follicle is a deeper, sac-like structure from which a hair grows and to which a sebaceous (oil) gland is attached. Pores are not follicles, but follicles have openings that can look like pores.
A small cavity, sac, or gland in the body, especially one from which a hair grows.
Follicle is usually technical/scientific in register.
Follicle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɒl.ɪ.kəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɑː.lɪ.kəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of FOLLICLE as a FOLLy little hole that grows a haIR CLEverly.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER (for hair, eggs, seeds).
Practice
Quiz
In which field would you LEAST likely encounter the term 'follicle'?