sebaceous
/si'beiʃəs/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Relating to or secreting sebum: "Sebaceous" describes something that is of, relating to, or secreting an oily or fatty substance (sebum), typically produced by glands in the skin.
- Greasy or oily in nature: It can also describe something that has an unpleasantly greasy or oily quality.
Examples of Usage
- Adjective:
- The dermatologist explained the function of the sebaceous glands. (The dermatologist explained the function of the oil-producing glands.)
- He has a sebaceous skin type, which is prone to acne. (He has an oily skin type, which is prone to acne.)
- A clogged sebaceous follicle can lead to a blackhead. (A clogged oil-producing follicle can lead to a blackhead.)
Advanced Usage
- "Sebaceous cyst": A noncancerous, closed sac or cyst below the skin that is often filled with oily or cheesy material.
- The doctor diagnosed the lump as a harmless sebaceous cyst.
- "Sebaceous hyperplasia": A common, benign skin condition where the sebaceous glands become enlarged.
- Sebaceous hyperplasia appears as small, yellowish bumps on the face.
Variants and Related Words
- Sebum (n): The oily, waxy substance secreted by the sebaceous glands to lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair.
- Excess sebum production can cause shiny skin.
Synonyms
- Oily: Containing or resembling oil; greasy.
- Greasy: Covered with or resembling an oily substance.
- Fatty: Containing a lot of fat; oily.
- Oleaginous (formal): Rich in, covered with, or producing oil; oily.
Notes on Meaning
The primary and most specific meaning of "sebaceous" is biological, relating to the sebaceous glands and their oily secretion, sebum. Its use to describe a general greasy quality (e.g., "sebaceous fried food") is less common and more technical or literary; words like "greasy" or "oily" are typically preferred in everyday language for this sense.
Adjective
- containing an unusual amount of grease or oil
- greasy hamburgers
- oily fried potatoes
- oleaginous seeds