Definition

A type of fat molecule that is made up of a fatty acid and a specific alcohol called sphingosine, commonly found in small amounts in both plants and animals.

Example

Ceramides are important for maintaining the skin's barrier and retaining moisture.

Conversation

Have you ever heard about ceramide in skincare products?

Yeah, I think it's supposed to help with hydration, right?

Exactly! It’s a lipid that helps maintain the skin barrier.

Sounds interesting! I should look for products that contain ceramide.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ceramide is derived from 'cera' (from Greek 'kera', meaning wax) and '-ide' (a suffix used in chemistry to denote a specific type of compound). The word refers to a waxy substance that is a component of cell membranes.

Memory Tip

Think of 'wax' ('cera') to remember that 'ceramide' refers to a waxy substance important in cell membranes.

Visually Confused Words