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 ungualungular

Word History and Origins

Origin of fingernail¹

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

Example Sentences

It is to be hoped he did not follow his own advice otherwise he would have missed a thriller that left the stadium knee-deep in chewed fingernails by the final whistle.

From BBC

The specimen also preserves the first keratinous sheath of a therizinosaur, an element that covers the claw much like human fingernails, aiding defence, movement, or prey catching.

From BBC

He sliced Juan’s palm and stuck the blade under his fingernails.

From Los Angeles Times

A man who murdered an 86-year-old widow 12 years ago has been sentenced to life imprisonment, after a re-examination of DNA evidence from his victim's fingernails led to his conviction.

From BBC

After her death, bloodied fingernail clippings were taken from Una's body and stored.

From BBC

Related Words

• paw
• tentacle