Toenails

/ˈtoʊˌneɪlz/ noun

Definition

The hard, protective plates that cover the tips of your toes, made of a protein called keratin.

Etymology

Compound of 'toe' (from Old English 'ta') and 'nail' (from Old English 'nægel'). Both words are ancient Germanic terms for these body parts that have remained virtually unchanged for over a thousand years.

Kelly Says

Your toenails grow slower than your fingernails because toes get less blood flow, and they can take 12-18 months to fully regrow if you lose one—which is why people used to use toenail damage as a form of torture in ancient times.

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