blackhead

noun

black·​head ˈblak-ˌhed 

1

: a small plug of darkened sebum and dead skin cells that fills a pore of the skin especially on the face

called also comedo, open comedo

compare whitehead

2

: a destructive disease of turkeys and related birds caused by a protozoan (Histomonas meleagridis) that invades the intestinal ceca and liver

3

: a larval clam or mussel attached to the skin or gills of a freshwater fish

Examples of blackhead in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Other symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa include blackheads and, in severe cases, abscesses and tunnels underneath the skin (known as fistulas or sinus tracts). —Petra Guglielmetti, Glamour, 18 Oct. 2024

Inflammation: Skin conditions such as acne, spots, or blackheads, particularly when picked at, can trigger inflammation that leads to hyperpigmentation. —Twiggy Jalloh, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2024

With a variety of different modes to choose from, this device will not only cleanse your skin but remove any blackheads or buildup that may be sitting around too. —Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2024

Not to mention, there are various types of acne, from superficial blackheads and whiteheads to hormonal cysts. —Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 14 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1837, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

blackhead

noun

black·​head ˈblak-ˌhed 

: a small oily bit of material blocking the outlet of a fat-secreting gland in the skin

Medical Definition

blackhead

noun

black·​head ˈblak-ˌhed 

1

: a small plug of darkened sebum and dead skin cells that blocks the duct of a sebaceous gland especially on the face

called also comedo, open comedo

compare whitehead

2

: a destructive disease of turkeys and related birds caused by a protozoan of the genus Histomonas (H. meleagridis) that invades the intestinal ceca and liver

called also enterohepatitis, histomoniasis, infectious enterohepatitis