eponychium

[ ep-uh-nik-ee-uh m ]
/ ˌɛp əˈnɪk i əm /

noun, plural ep·o·nych·i·a [ep-uh-nik-ee-uh] /ˌɛp əˈnɪk i ə/,

Embryology. the modified outer layer of the epidermis that partially covers the fetal fingernails and toenails and that persists after birth as the cuticle.
Anatomy. a thin, cuticular fold extending over the lunula of a nail.
Also epionychium.

Origin of eponychium

1880–85; < New Latin, equivalent to ep- ep- + onych- (see onyx) + -ium -ium

Medical definitions for eponychium

eponychium
[ ĕp′ə-nĭkē-əm ]

n.

The condensed eleidin-rich areas of the epidermis preceding the formation of nails in the embryo.
The thin skin adhering to the nail at its base.