‖ sebum Phys.
(ˈsiːbəm)
[mod.L. use of L. sēbum (also sēvum) suet, grease.]
The fatty secretion which lubricates the hair and the skin.
| [1706 Phillips (ed. Kersey), Sevum, or Sebum, Sewet, Tallow. 1728 Chambers Cycl. s.v. Glandula, Glandulæ Sebaceæ..separate a greasy Matter, like Sebum, or Tallow. 1845 Todd & Bowman Phys. Anat. I. 83 The softer kinds of fat were denominated by the older anatomists pinguedo, lard; and the more solid, sebum or sevum, suet, tallow.] 1876 Duhring Dis. Skin 33 The sebaceous glands secrete a fatty product known as sebum or sebaceous matter. 1887 Affleck in Encycl. Brit. XXII. 121/1 The sebum frequently accumulates in the sebaceous ducts, giving rise to the minute black points..to which the term comedones is applied. 1899 Allbutt's Syst. Med. VIII. 666 The secretion of sebum is diminished. |