Meaning & Definition of word "Fingernail"
Fingernail
/ˈfɪŋɡərneɪl/
noun:
- 1. The hard, flat, protective covering at the tips of the fingers.
- Example: She painted her fingernails bright red for the party.
- 2. A part of a finger that is commonly used in expressions, such as 'under my fingernails' to indicate something hidden or accumulated.
- Example: He had dirt under his fingernails from gardening all day.
- 3. A unit of measure that refers to the width of a fingernail, often used in woodworking.
- Example: 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 of fingernail
Meaning: Nail art or decorations on fingernails.
● Example Sentence: She's really into nail art and has some amazing designs on her fingernails.
Meaning: To bite one's fingernails due to nervousness.
● Example Sentence: Whenever he gets anxious, he starts to nail bite.