fingernail
Definition
- Noun:
- The hard, translucent plate covering the dorsal surface of the terminal segment of a finger: A fingernail is a keratinous structure that grows from the nail matrix at the base of the finger, serving to protect the fingertip and aid in manipulation.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- She painted her fingernails a bright red color.
- He nervously tapped his fingernail on the table.
- Keeping your fingernails clean is important for hygiene.
Advanced Usage
- "To the fingernail": Used idiomatically to suggest precision or completeness, though this is a less common construction.
- He was dressed to the fingernail for the gala, every detail perfect.
Variants and Related Words
- Nail (n): The general term for the hard covering on the ends of fingers and toes. "Fingernail" specifies the finger, while "toenail" specifies the toe.
- Fingertip (n): The end of a finger, which includes the pad and the fingernail.
- Cuticle (n): The thin layer of skin at the base of the fingernail.
Synonyms
- Nail (when context specifies a finger).
Related Phrases
- Fingernail-biting (n/adj): The habit of biting one's fingernails, often due to nervousness or anxiety.
- His fingernail-biting habit was a sign of stress.
Related Idioms
- By one's fingernails: By a very narrow margin; barely.
- She held onto the ledge by her fingernails until help arrived.
- He passed the exam by his fingernails.
Noun
-
the nail at the end of a finger
