nail bed

noun

: the vascular epidermis upon which most of the fingernail or toenail rests that has a longitudinally ridged surface often visible through the nail

Examples of nail bed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Trouble breathing or unusually rapid breathing, pale, gray or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds. USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2024 Her body began overproducing skin cells that caused her nails to pit – a condition that occurs when the surrounding skin thickens and lifts fingernails and toenails out of the nail beds. Essence, 9 Jan. 2024 In a nutshell: additional length and layers added the nail bed. Olivia Muenter, Allure, 8 Jan. 2024 Severe cases, meanwhile, are still characterized by shortness of breath, chest pain or pale, gray or blue skin, lips or nail beds — an indicator of a lack of oxygen. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 21 Dec. 2023 Not to mention the attractive wide brush, which allows the nail bed to be covered in as few swipes as possible to avoid streakage. Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 16 Mar. 2023 The nails can also appear to lift from the nail bed. Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 16 Nov. 2023 Nail artists love this soothing Julep oil for ragged cuticles, while Sally Hansen's renowned dissolver is great for clearing up jagged nail beds without needing cuticle cutters. Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 11 Oct. 2023 This is achieved through a five to seven step process: from removing the cuticle and shaping the nail, to applying a special base coat and polishing the nail bed throughout. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 30 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nail bed.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nail bed was in 1883

Dictionary Entries Near nail bed

Cite this Entry

“Nail bed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nail%20bed. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

nail bed

noun
: the vascular epidermis upon which most of the fingernail or toenail rests that has a longitudinally ridged surface often visible through the nail
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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