seborrhea

noun

seb·​or·​rhea ˌse-bə-ˈrē-ə How to pronounce seborrhea (audio)
: abnormally increased secretion and discharge of sebum
seborrheic
ˌse-bə-ˈrē-ik How to pronounce seborrhea (audio)
adjective

Examples of seborrhea in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Others have conditions like seborrhea, and retinoids can worsen that, too. — Eva Crouse, Flow Space, 6 Jan. 2025 This dog shampoo is specially formulated to provide a deep clean while also treating skin conditions such as acne, seborrhea, and other dermatitis issues. — Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024 Malin + Goetz co-founder Matthew Malin, who has rosacea, eczema, seborrhea, fragrance allergies, and dry skin, formulated this product to be safe for people with sensitive skin. — Talia Ergas, Travel + Leisure, 13 Feb. 2023 In addition to including mineral sunscreen, it’s also formulated with Irish moss extract, which may provide some skin-enhancing benefits, including hydration and help with issues like acne, seborrhea, and rosacea. — Jenny McCoy, Glamour, 25 Sep. 2024 Seborrheic Dermatitis Seborrheic dermatitis (also known as seborrhea) affects children under age 2 and is most common in infants from 0 to 3 months. — Parents Editors, Parents, 3 Sep. 2023

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin sebum + New Latin -rrhea

First Known Use

circa 1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of seborrhea was circa 1860

Rhymes for seborrhea

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Browse Nearby Words

sebkha
seborrhea
Sebright
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Cite this Entry

“Seborrhea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seborrhea. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

seborrhea

noun
seb·​or·​rhea
variants or British seborrhoea
ˌseb-ə-ˈrē-ə How to pronounce seborrhea (audio)
: abnormally increased secretion and discharge of sebum producing an oily appearance of the skin and the formation of greasy scales

More from Merriam-Webster on seborrhea

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about seborrhea

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