Fingernail

/ˈfɪŋɡərneɪl/

Meaning & Definition

noun
The hard, flat, protective covering at the tips of the fingers.
She painted her fingernails bright red for the party.
A part of a finger that is commonly used in expressions, such as 'under my fingernails' to indicate something hidden or accumulated.
He had dirt under his fingernails from gardening all day.
A unit of measure that refers to the width of a fingernail, often used in woodworking.
The carpenter ensured that the wood was cut to a fingernail's width to fit perfectly.

Etymology

Middle English, from finger + nail

Common Phrases and Expressions

fingernail polish
Colored lacquer applied to fingernails.
bite one's fingernails
To nervously chew on one's own fingernails.

Related Words

nail
The hard covering on the upper surface of the tip of a finger.
cuticle
The layer of clear skin located along the bottom edge of your finger or toe.

Slang Meanings

Nail art or decorations on fingernails.
She's really into nail art and has some amazing designs on her fingernails.
To bite one's fingernails due to nervousness.
Whenever he gets anxious, he starts to nail bite.