Definition

Noun: 1. An oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands: Sebum is a natural, oily secretion of the sebaceous glands in the skin. When mixed with perspiration, it helps to moisturize and protect the skin's surface.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The skin's natural sebum helps to keep it soft and waterproof.
  • Excess sebum production can contribute to oily skin and acne.
  • The function of sebum is to lubricate the hair and skin.

Advanced Usage

• "Sebum production": Refers to the rate or amount of sebum created by the sebaceous glands.
  • Hormonal changes can increase sebum production during adolescence.
• "Sebum level": Describes the quantity of sebum present on the skin.
  • This skincare product aims to balance the skin's sebum levels.

Variants and Related Words

• Sebaceous (adj): Relating to or secreting sebum.
  • The sebaceous glands are attached to hair follicles.
• Seborrhea (n): A condition characterized by excessive discharge of sebum.
  • Seborrhea can cause the skin to appear unusually oily or greasy.

Synonyms

• Skin oil: A common, non-technical term for sebum.
• Cutaneous lipid: A more scientific term referring to the fatty substances on the skin's surface.

Notes on Meaning

This word has a single, specific meaning in human biology and dermatology. It refers exclusively to the oily secretion itself and not to the glands that produce it.

Noun

1. the oily secretion of the sebaceous glands; with perspiration it moistens and protects the skin