Word
fingernail
Phoneticsfin·ger·nail, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfɪŋɡɝˌneɪɫ/
UK/fˈɪŋɡənˌeɪl/
Countable noun
Definition
n. the hard, thin cover that grows on the top of your finger. It protects the tip of your finger and helps you pick up small things.
n. the hard, keratinous plate that covers the distal phalanx of each finger. It serves a protective function and aids in tactile manipulation.
Examples
“She broke her fingernail while opening the jar.”
“The doctor examined the color of the fingernail to check for signs of poor circulation.”
“While the fingernail is primarily a structural defense, its growth rate can serve as a clinical indicator of overall metabolic health and nutritional status.”
Examples
simple
“She broke her fingernail while opening the jar.”
contextual
“The doctor examined the color of the fingernail to check for signs of poor circulation.”
complex
“While the fingernail is primarily a structural defense, its growth rate can serve as a clinical indicator of overall metabolic health and nutritional status.”
Etymology
From Middle English finger neil(e); equivalent to finger + nail. Compare Middle English nayl of fynger (“fingernail”) and Old English handnæġl (“fingernail”). Compare also Saterland Frisian Fingernail (“fingernail”), West Frisian fingerneil (“fingernail”), Dutch vingernagel (“fingernail”), German Fingernagel (“fingernail”), Danish fingernegl (“fingernail”), Swedish fingernagel (“fingernail”), Norwegian fingernegl (“fingernail”), Icelandic fingurnögl (“fingernail”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/fingernail