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Glite Dictionary
lunule

lunule

9.9
A small white half-moon at the base of a fingernail
  • noun
  • /ˈluːnuːl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : lunula
  • Can you see the lunule at the base of your fingernail?

Examples

  • The white lunule at the base of her fingernail was clearly visible under the light.

  • The lunule is often barely visible on some people's nails.

  • Each nail typically has a lunule, although it can be more prominent on the thumbs.

  • He noticed that his lunule had changed color and consulted a doctor.

  • He noticed that his lunule had changed color and consulted a doctor.

  • Each nail typically has a lunule, although it can be more prominent on the thumbs.

  • The white lunule at the base of her fingernail was clearly visible under the light.

Synonyms

lunula
vslunule
  • Specialized
9.9

A small pale crescent at the base of a fingernail or toenail

is the same part but limited to finger nails only
half-moon
vslunule
4.2

A pale curved area at the base of a fingernail

is the technical term rather than the informal everyday name

Surface Forms

lunule singular
lunules plural

Morphology

lunule = lune (opaque) = lune + ule

Formally built as a Latinate diminutive meaning 'little moon,' but the learned morphology and the specialized anatomical sense make the relation non-transparent to average learners.

Etymology

The word lunule comes from Latin lunula, a little luna meaning 'moon', the same root as lunar. So the small white, crescent-shaped area at the base of a fingernail is called a lunule because it looks like a tiny moon.