Definition

1. 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

1. containing an unusual amount of grease or oil
   • greasy hamburgers
   • oily fried potatoes
   • oleaginous seeds