How Do You Spell SEBACEOUS?

Pronunciation: [sɛbˈe͡ɪʃəs] (IPA)

Sebaceous is a term used to describe a gland that secretes sebum, an oily substance that helps to moisturize and protect the skin. The spelling of sebaceous is a bit tricky, but understanding its IPA phonetic transcription can help. The word is pronounced /sɪˈbeɪʃəs/, with the stress on the second syllable. The "b" and "c" in sebaceous are both pronounced as "sh," which can be confusing. However, with the IPA transcription, the pronunciation of this word can be easily learned and understood.

SEBACEOUS Meaning and Definition

1. Sebaceous is an adjective that refers to a gland or the secretion produced by that gland. The term is primarily used in the context of biology and anatomy to describe structures related to the production of sebum, an oily substance that lubricates and protects the skin and hair.

   The sebaceous glands are small, exocrine glands found in the skin of mammals. They are typically associated with hair follicles and are most numerous on the face, scalp, chest, and back. These glands produce and secrete sebum, which consists of a mixture of lipids, waxes, and cellular debris. Sebum helps to moisturize the skin, prevent excessive drying, and keep the hair supple.

   The term sebaceous can also describe conditions or disorders related to these glands. For example, sebaceous hyperplasia refers to an enlargement or overactivity of the sebaceous glands, resulting in the formation of small, yellowish bumps on the skin. Sebaceous cysts, on the other hand, are closed sacs formed from the sebaceous gland ducts that become blocked, leading to the accumulation of sebum.

   Overall, the adjective sebaceous pertains to the sebaceous glands, their secretions, and related physiological and pathological processes. It is crucial in understanding the functions and characteristics of these glands, as well as the impact they have on the health and appearance of the skin and hair.

2. Relating to sebum; oily, fatty.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. Made of tallow; fatty; containing or secreting fatty matter; pert. to fat.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for SEBACEOUS *

• sebacious 66.6666666%
• sebaceus 33.3333333%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for SEBACEOUS

• spaceous
• sebatious
• sebacous
• sebaceaous
• selacious
• cefaceous
• setaceous
• segaceous
• sebaecous
• sejaceous
• seeiceous
• rebuccous
• setaceus
• Sepaceous
• Setaseous
• Strameous
• sebaceaus
• sebicaceous
• Sepaceus

Etymology of SEBACEOUS

The word "sebaceous" is derived from the Latin word "sebaceus", which is formed from "sebum", meaning "tallow" or "grease". "Sebum" itself comes from the Latin verb "sebum", meaning "to render fat". The term "sebaceous" refers to the sebaceous glands in the skin that secrete an oily substance known as sebum.