manicure

American  

[man-i-kyoor] / ˈmæn ɪˌkyʊər /

noun

1. a cosmetic treatment of the hands and fingernails, including trimming and polishing of the nails and removing cuticles.

2. a manicurist.

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verb (used with object)

manicured, manicuring

1. to take care of (the hands and fingernails); apply manicure treatment to.

2. to trim or cut meticulously.

   to manicure a lawn.

verb (used without object)

manicured, manicuring

1. to give a manicure.

manicure British  

/ ˈmænɪˌkjʊə /

noun

1. care of the hands and fingernails, involving shaping the nails, removing cuticles, etc

2. another word for manicurist

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verb

1. to care for (the hands and fingernails) in this way

2. (tr) to trim neatly

Other Word Forms

• unmanicured adjective

Etymology

Origin of manicure

1875–80; < French < Latin mani- (combining form of manus hand) + cūra care

Example Sentences

With one manicured hand on the top of the across-the-aisle seat in front of her, the haughty speaker from my conference pivots to address us.

From Literature

To save time, I duck between the trees and hurry across the manicured lawn to the front door, making it to the admissions office with ten minutes to spare.

From Literature

Now frozen by British sanctions, the properties have fallen into disrepair, the overgrown lots a blight on an upscale street lined with manicured gardens and iron gates.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Our final, clear polish could be put over any manicure or even bare nails, which could help people with calluses on their fingertips, too. So, it has both a cosmetic and lifestyle benefit," explains Desai.

From Science Daily

She also spent money on manicures, tanning sessions and trips to a private Harley Street dentist.

From BBC

Related Words

• beautify