sebum: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Medical/Dermatological
Quick answer
What does “sebum” mean?
An oily, waxy substance produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin to lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An oily, waxy substance produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin to lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair.
In a medical or dermatological context, it refers to this natural secretion, which can be associated with skin conditions like acne when produced in excess.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning, spelling, or usage. Pronunciations may differ slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical; a technical term with no regional cultural baggage.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, confined to specialist contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “sebum” in a Sentence
Noun + production/secretion of sebumVerb (regulate/control/stimulate) + sebumAdjective (excess/excessive/oily) + sebumVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sebum” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Sebaceous (derived adjective) glands are responsible for sebum.
American English
- The sebaceous (derived adjective) gland output was measured.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the cosmetics, skincare, and pharmaceutical industries (e.g., 'Our new product regulates sebum production').
Academic
Common in medical, biological, and dermatology papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Very rare. Might appear in conversations about skincare or acne treatments.
Technical
The primary register. Central term in dermatology, trichology, and cosmetic science.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sebum”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sebum”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sebum”
- Treating it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a sebum' is incorrect).
- Mispronouncing the middle 'e' as short /ɛ/ (like 'seb' in 'web').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Sebum is an oily, waxy substance from sebaceous glands. Sweat is a watery secretion from sweat glands, primarily for temperature regulation.
Yes. Insufficient sebum production can lead to dry, flaky, and itchy skin, as the skin's protective lipid barrier is compromised.
No, it's essential for healthy skin. It moisturizes and protects. Problems arise only when it is produced in excess or its composition is altered, potentially leading to clogged pores and acne.
It comes directly from Latin 'sēbum', meaning 'tallow' or 'grease'.
An oily, waxy substance produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin to lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair.
Sebum is usually technical/medical/dermatological in register.
Sebum: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsiːbəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsiːbəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms exist for this technical term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'SEBUM' = 'SEE-BUM' → Imagine seeing your skin's natural 'oil' on your face.
Conceptual Metaphor
OIL (Sebum is the skin's natural lubricating oil).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'sebum' most frequently used?