cuticle

noun7

1. •
   The outermost layer of the skin of vertebrates.
2. •
   The strip of hardened skin at the base and sides of a fingernail or toenail.

   • By that time she has pushed back his cuticles, cleaned his nails and painted them with clear polish. — 1992
3. •
   Dead or cornified epidermis.
4. •
   A noncellular protective covering outside the epidermis of many invertebrates.
5. •
   A noncellular protective covering outside the epidermis of many plants.
6. •
   A protective layer on the shell of a bird's egg.
7. •
   A thin skin formed on the surface of a liquid.