(1) a waxy covering on the surface of stems and leaves that acts as an adaptation to prevent desiccation in terrestrial plants (2) the exoskeleton of an arthropod, consisting of layers of protein and chitin that are variously modified for different functions
the continuous layer of cutin secreted by the epidermis, it prevents plant desiccation by being impervious to water and gas exchange and covers the aerial parts of the plant body, broken only by stomata and lenticels
The outer layer of cells of a fiber which are hard, flattened and do not fit together evenly and whose tips point away from the fiber shaft forming serrated edges These serrated edges cause the fibers to grip together during processing and manufacturing See also Scales
The hardened layer that covers the body of a spider It provides a combinatin of rigidity and flexibility It serves a protective function (like armour) and since it is relatively impermeable to water, helps prevent dessication (loss of water) It also provides a rigid base for the attachment of muscles The cuticle remains soft at the joints to permit movement
Transparent skin that grows out from under the proximal nail fold (eponychium) that is attached to the nail plate The true cuticle sheds a non-living "skin" that must be removed before most nail services The non-living skin is commonly and wrongfully called the pterygium You cannot see the true cuticle (it's under the eponychium)