manicure
Elementary (A2)
IPA: //ˈmænɪkjʊr//
KK: /ˈmænɪkjʊr/
noun
Definition
A beauty treatment that involves cleaning, shaping, and polishing the fingernails and often includes care for the hands.
Example
She went to the salon for a manicure before the wedding.
Conversation
I just had the best manicure yesterday.
Oh really? What did you get done?
I went for a bright red polish, it looks amazing!
That sounds lovely! I need to book a manicure soon.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
pedicure
grooming
treatment
Antonyms
neglect
abandon
damage
transitive verb
Definition
To trim, clean, and polish the fingernails or to shape and care for something, like a hedge.
Example
She decided to manicure her nails before the party.
Tense Forms
Past: manicured
Past Participle: manicured
Conversation
I’m thinking of getting a manicure this weekend.
That sounds nice! Do you have a place in mind?
Yeah, I found a salon that also manicures hedges, which is kind of cool.
Root Explanation
Manicure → It is formed from "manus" (meaning hand) and "cura" (meaning care). The word refers to the care or treatment of the hands, particularly the nails.
Memory Tip
Think of 'manus' meaning hand and 'cura' meaning care — that's why manicure means the care of hands.
Visually Confused Words
manure
unmanicured
manticore
manurer
maipure