ceramide
noun
cer·amide
ˈsir-ə-ˌmīd 
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
L. StivitzMoisturizers 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
Constance CardozoExamples of ceramide in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Fatty feedback loop The reason why the bacteria was successful in keeping fat-fed mice thin is due to a feedback loop based on fatty molecules called ceramides.
—New Atlas, 18 Dec. 2025
To keep moisture locked in for hours, there’s a nourishing blend of shea and mango butters, ceramides, and sodium hyaluronate.
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 12 Dec. 2025
That’s thanks in part to the combination of humectants (hyaluronic acid, in five molecular weights, and polyglutamic acid) and moisture-sealing lipids (murumuru butter and ceramides).
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 27 Nov. 2025
Hydrating skincare ingredients such as ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants can help smooth the skin's surface and improve wear time.
—Grace McCarty, Glamour, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ceramide
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New Atlas, 18 Dec. 2025
To keep moisture locked in for hours, there’s a nourishing blend of shea and mango butters, ceramides, and sodium hyaluronate.
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 12 Dec. 2025
That’s thanks in part to the combination of humectants (hyaluronic acid, in five molecular weights, and polyglutamic acid) and moisture-sealing lipids (murumuru butter and ceramides).
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 27 Nov. 2025
Hydrating skincare ingredients such as ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants can help smooth the skin's surface and improve wear time.
—Grace McCarty, Glamour, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ceramide
Cite this Entry
“Ceramide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ceramide. Accessed 20 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
ceramide
noun
cer·amide
ˈsir-ə-ˌmīd
: 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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