ENGLISH
REFERENCE

fingernails

n. countable
A1 Beginner US //ˈfɪŋɡɝˌneɪɫz// UK //fˈɪŋɡənˌeɪlz// fin·ger·nails

n. the thin, hard parts that cover the top of your fingers. They protect the tips of your fingers and help you pick up small things.

n. the thin, horny plates of keratin covering the dorsal surface of the distal phalanges of the fingers.


SIMPLE

She painted her fingernails bright red.

CONTEXTUAL

He has a nervous habit of biting his fingernails whenever he has to speak in public.

COMPLEX

The condition of a patient's fingernails can sometimes provide medical professionals with subtle clues regarding their overall nutritional status or the presence of systemic disease.

Synonyms
Usage

Usually used in the plural unless referring to a specific injury or action on one finger.

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