Cuticle

Noun

 * 1) The outermost layer of the skin of vertebrates; the epidermis.
 * 2) The strip of hardened skin at the base and sides of a fingernail or toenail.
 * 3) Dead or cornified epidermis.
 * 4)  The outer protective covering of invertebrates and plants.

Synonyms

 * cuticula

Derived terms

 * cuticular
 * epicuticle
 * exocuticle
 * mescocuticle
 * procuticle

Thesaurus
Leatherette, Leatheroid, coat, dermis, fell, fleece, flesh, fur, furring, hide, imitation fur, imitation leather, integument, jacket, leather, leather paper, outer layer, outer skin, pelt, peltry, rawhide, rind, sheath, skin, skins, tegument, vair

Etymology
From cuticula: