Ceramide

**Semantic type:** Biologically Active Substance|Organic Chemical

**Definition:** One of a number of a class of sphingolipids, N-acyl derivatives with long chains. Ceramide is the core molecule for the synthesis of sphingomyelin, an essential lipid for myelination and neurotransmission; it may function as a second messenger to stimulate differentiation, inhibit proliferation, and induce apoptosis. (NCI04)

**Synonyms:** - Ceramide (lipids) - N-Acyl Sphingosine - ceramide