What does sebaceous mean?
Sebaceous is a technical adjective relating to sebum, the natural oil that lubricates and protects the skin, and to the sebaceous glands that produce it. The best-known use is in the phrase sebaceous gland, a small oil gland connected to a hair follicle. Sebaceous glands become larger and more active during puberty, which can contribute to oily skin and acne; when one becomes blocked, it may develop into a sebaceous cyst. The word can also describe secretions, disorders, or growths involving these glands. It is mainly used in medical, anatomical, and dermatological writing, while everyday speakers are more likely to say oily or greasy. Knowing sebaceous helps with terminology encountered in skin-care products, medical explanations, and discussions of acne or other gland-related conditions.
adjectiveRelating to sebum, the oily substance produced by the skin, or to the sebaceous glands that secrete it. In medical and anatomical contexts, it may also describe an accumulation or lesion involving sebaceous glands.
- Relating to sebum, oily secretions, or the sebaceous glands that produce them.
"The dermatologist examined the inflamed sebaceous glands around the patient's nose."
"The sebaceous glands become especially active during adolescence."
"A sebaceous cyst can form when a gland becomes blocked."
Your skin's tiny oil factories have a formal name: sebaceous glands.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sebaceous come from?
Sebaceous comes through English from Latin sebaceus, meaning “oily” or “full of fat,” which was derived from sebum, the Latin word for tallow or grease. The term entered English in the early 17th century for oily substances and later became especially associated with the glands that secrete skin oil. Its relatives include sebiferous, meaning “sebum-bearing,” and seborrheic, referring to disorders involving sebum.
How sebaceous is actually used
Primarily formal and technical, especially in medicine, anatomy, and dermatology. In general use, it is less common than the plain terms oily or greasy.
Easily confused with sebaceous
Sebaceous refers to sebum or the glands that produce it, whereas seborrheic more specifically describes conditions involving excessive or abnormal sebum, such as seborrheic dermatitis.