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

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

Polyglutamic acid helps attract and retain moisture, while a ceramide complex supports the skin barrier. — Iman Balagam, Vogue, 6 Nov. 2026

Nourishing, hydrating ceramides keep stressed, breakout-prone skin calm and balanced. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 5 Nov. 2026

The key is in the golden ratio of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. — Rosa Jisoo Pyo, InStyle, 2 Nov. 2026

The formula combines heptapeptide-7 with niacinamide to help improve uneven tone, plus ceramides and bifidus ferment to support the skin barrier. — Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 28 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

cerebroside + amide

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ceramide

• actinide
• aldehyde
• alkoxide
• alongside
• amplified
• arsenide
• beautified
• biocide
• bisulphide
• butoxide
• calcified
• certified

Medical Definition

ceramide

noun

cer·​amide ˈsir-ə-ˌmīd 

: 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

Elevated plasma levels of many of the sphingolipids have also been correlated with chronic disease—for example, sphingomyelins with coronary heart disease and ceramides with type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.

—Oswald Quehenberger and Edward A. Dennis, The New England Journal of Medicine