What is the name for the visible part of the nail that extends beyond the fingertip?

The visible part of the nail that extends beyond the fingertip is called the nail body. This area comprises the hard keratinous portion of the nail and is typically what people see when they look at their nails. The nail body is important because it serves multiple functions, such as protecting the delicate tissues underneath and helping with the grasping of objects.

While the nail tip refers to the very end of the nail, it is less commonly used in formal terminology. The nail root is the hidden portion of the nail found beneath the cuticle, which is not visible beyond the fingertip. The nail fold consists of the skin surrounding the edges of the nail body but does not represent the actual visible part of the nail itself. Thus, the nail body is the most accurate term to describe the prominent visible area that extends beyond the fingertip.