eponychium

noun2

1. •
   The thickened layer of skin adjoining fingernails and toenails, particularly at the base of the nail.

   • The nail is replaced to provide a physiologic dressing and to splint open the eponychium so that a new nail will grow in place. — 2008
2. •
   The protective capsule that surrounds the hoof of foetuses and neonates of hoofed animals, which disappears soon after birth, but remnants of which remain as part of the permanent hoof.

   • The hooves are tipped with collagenous eponychia, which prevents damage to the amnion and beyond. — 2012