sebaceous gland: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low in everyday conversation, but high in medical and biological contexts.Technical/medical
Quick answer
What does “sebaceous gland” mean?
A small exocrine gland in the skin that secretes sebum, an oily substance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small exocrine gland in the skin that secretes sebum, an oily substance.
These glands are typically associated with hair follicles and play a role in lubricating the skin and hair; dysfunction can contribute to skin conditions such as acne.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or semantic differences; pronunciation may vary slightly.
Connotations
Neutral and clinical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally prevalent in scientific literature and medical discourse in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “sebaceous gland” in a Sentence
sebaceous gland in [body part]sebaceous gland that produces sebumsebaceous gland associated with hair folliclesVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sebaceous gland” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The sebaceous secretion was particularly oily in that area.
- He has a condition affecting his sebaceous follicles.
American English
- The sebaceous secretion was especially oily in that region.
- He has a condition affecting his sebaceous follicles.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable in typical business contexts.
Academic
Widely used in anatomy, physiology, dermatology, and related fields.
Everyday
Seldom used in casual speech; may appear in health or skincare discussions.
Technical
Common in medical diagnoses, research papers, and textbooks.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sebaceous gland”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sebaceous gland”
- Misspelling as 'sebacious' or 'sebaceus', mispronouncing the stress on the first syllable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Sebaceous glands are small glands in the skin that secrete sebum, an oily substance.
They are found all over the body, except on the palms and soles, and are most numerous on the face and scalp.
Their primary function is to lubricate the skin and hair, preventing dryness and protecting against friction.
Yes, overactivity can lead to oily skin and acne, while underactivity can result in dry skin.
A small exocrine gland in the skin that secretes sebum, an oily substance.
Sebaceous gland is usually technical/medical in register.
Sebaceous gland: in British English it is pronounced /sɪˈbeɪʃəs ɡlænd/, and in American English it is pronounced /səˈbeɪʃəs ɡlænd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember 'sebaceous' by linking it to 'sebum' – both start with 'seb' and relate to oil.
Conceptual Metaphor
Often described as 'oil factories' of the skin.
Practice
Quiz
What is the main product of sebaceous glands?