ceramide

noun

cer·​amide ˈsir-ə-ˌmīd How to pronounce ceramide (audio)
ˈser-
plural ceramides
: any of various simple sphingolipids that are composed of a fatty acid linked to sphingosine, are found especially in cell membranes, are involved in mediating various cellular processes (such as those affecting cell differentiation and apoptosis), and act as precursors for more complex sphingolipids
The enzyme controls production of a cellular substance, ceramide, which triggers the natural process of egg cell death.L. Stivitz
Moisturizers containing ceramides (natural lipids that are similar in structure to those in the skin's own moisture barrier) … are also worthwhile splurges for women with dry or problem skin, according to independent tester Grove.Constance Cardozo

Examples of ceramide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This thicker cream includes ceramides, which are fat cells that are naturally found in the skin and not only don’t disrupt the barrier but help maintain it. Tanya Edwards, Parents, 15 Mar. 2024 It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid to retain moisture and three essential ceramides (1, 3, and 6-II) that restore and maintain the skin barrier. Lauren Taylor, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2024 For example, some moisturizers contain hyaluronic acid—a humectant—and ceramides, which are occlusive substances found naturally in the skin barrier, said Kibbi. Jani Hall, Health, 21 Feb. 2024 Look for ones with ingredients that pull water into the skin (humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin), calm flare-ups (like ceramides and colloidal oatmeal), and help lock in moisture (occlusives like petrolatum), as SELF previously reported. Sarah Klein, SELF, 27 Feb. 2024 Serums like the Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum or the CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum also have nourishing ingredients such as ceramides, peptides, and niacinamide to boost your skin’s moisture levels and help fortify the skin barrier. Audrey Noble, Vogue, 18 Feb. 2024 The brand is predominantly known for its essential ceramides that protect your skin barrier that could be hindered if left dried. Celeste Polanco, Essence, 11 Jan. 2024 The lightweight cream looks and feels like a foundation, but it's packed with skin-friendly ingredients like rainbow seaweed, niacinamide, prebiotics, probiotics, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and collagen. Wendy Vazquez, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2023 This duo is formulated with a blend of ceramides, biotin, niacinamide, and botanical extracts to revitalize and repair strands while keeping frizz at bay. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 15 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ceramide.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

cerebroside + amide

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ceramide was in 1958

Dictionary Entries Near ceramide

Cite this Entry

“Ceramide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ceramide. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

ceramide

noun
cer·​amide ˈsir-ə-ˌmīd How to pronounce ceramide (audio)
: any of a group of amido sphingolipids formed by linking a fatty acid to sphingosine and found widely in small amounts in plant and animal tissue

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