sebum

American  

[see-buhm] / ˈsi bəm /

noun

Physiology.

1. the fatty secretion of the sebaceous glands.

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sebum British  

/ ˈsiːbəm /

noun

1. the oily secretion of the sebaceous glands that acts as a lubricant for the hair and skin and provides some protection against bacteria

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sebum Scientific  

/ sē′bəm /

1. The fatty substance secreted by the sebaceous glands of mammals that protects and lubricates the skin and hair.

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Etymology

Origin of sebum

First recorded in 1700–10, sebum is from the Latin word sēbum tallow, grease

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sebum

Tallow consists of a much higher amount of saturated fat compared to our own sebum.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 27, 2026

It also closely resembles sebum, the oily substance that coats our skin and protects it from drying out.

From Salon ● Jan. 25, 2025

Skin properties such as sebum levels, moisture, and dryness all influence the composition of the microbiota.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 20, 2024

The differences in scent between young children and teens probably stem from puberty-driven changes in sweat and sebum production, the researchers said.

From New York Times ● Mar. 21, 2024

In this group are the dermoid cysts with their various contents, epidermis, sebum, hair, teeth, and bone.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various

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