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
As hyaluronic acid does all the heavy lifting in the hydration department, ceramides ensure all the water that their humectant partner draws in stays put.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 4 Apr. 2025
Other Factors Disrupting Midlife Skin Health This change in skin quality is also impacted by a decline in ceramide lipid cells, which are, essentially, fats in the skin cells that make up about half of the skin barrier.
—Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 4 Apr. 2025
In addition to rosemary oil, this formula also contains plant proteins that strengthen the hair (leading to less breakage—something that can make your hair appear thinner) and hydrating ceramides.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 17 Mar. 2025
This creamy serum is packed with ingredients our experts recommend—hydrating hyaluronic acid, plumping peptides, strengthening ceramides, and calming niacinamide, to name a few.
—Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 28 Feb. 2025
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Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 4 Apr. 2025
Other Factors Disrupting Midlife Skin Health This change in skin quality is also impacted by a decline in ceramide lipid cells, which are, essentially, fats in the skin cells that make up about half of the skin barrier.
—Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 4 Apr. 2025
In addition to rosemary oil, this formula also contains plant proteins that strengthen the hair (leading to less breakage—something that can make your hair appear thinner) and hydrating ceramides.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 17 Mar. 2025
This creamy serum is packed with ingredients our experts recommend—hydrating hyaluronic acid, plumping peptides, strengthening ceramides, and calming niacinamide, to name a few.
—Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 28 Feb. 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 10 Apr. 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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