acne

noun

ac·​ne ˈak-nē 

: a disorder of the skin that is marked by blemishes (such as whiteheads, blackheads, or pustules) especially on the face, chest, and shoulders and is caused by inflammation of sebaceous glands and hair follicles

especially : a form found chiefly in adolescents

acned

ˈak-nēd 

adjective

an acned teenager

acned skin

Examples of acne in a Sentence

a teenager with bad acne

Recent Examples on the Web

Don’t stick any topical acne treatments up your nose. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 1 Nov. 2024

Additionally, this hyaluronic acid serum also includes lactic acid, which helps reduce acne breakouts and reduce the appearance of blemishes for an overall smoother complexion. —Jessie Quinn, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024

Despite some reports, there is no association between creatine and acne development. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 28 Oct. 2024

As a part of this holistic outlook, patients receive personalized treatment plans through preventative aging protocols and acne therapy sessions, methods of relaxation and rejuvenation are incorporated and supportive environments facilitate open discussions regarding mental health. —Matt King, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin acnē, acna, borrowed from Late Greek aknḗ "eruption on the face," manuscript variant of akmḗ, literally, "point" — more at acme

First Known Use

1743, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing acne

• acne rosacea
• anti-acne
• mask acne

Kids Definition

acne

noun

ac·​ne ˈak-nē 

: a disorder of the skin caused by inflammation of skin glands and hair follicles and marked by pimples especially on the face

Medical Definition

acne

noun

ac·​ne ˈak-nē 

: a disorder of the skin that is marked by blemishes (such as whiteheads, blackheads, or pustules) especially on the face, chest, and shoulders and is caused by inflammation of sebaceous glands and hair follicles

especially : a form found chiefly in adolescents : acne vulgaris

acned

-nēd 

adjective