n. Any of a group of lipids that are formed by the linking of a fatty acid to sphingosine, are found in cell membranes, and help to regulate the differentiation, proliferation, and death of cells. [cer(ebroside), any of various glycolipids containing sphingosine and found especially in brain and nerve tissue (CEREBR(O)- + -OSE2 + -IDE) + AMIDE.] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.







