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

Salicylic acid, a popular acne-fighting ingredient, acts as an anti-inflammatory exfoliant on blackheads, whiteheads, and breakouts. —Sarah Y. Wu, Allure, 26 July 2024

This gentle exfoliant also works well on large pores, blackheads, and fine lines. —Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 1 July 2024

Its Extract mode pulls out pesky blackheads, dirt, and oil gently, while Infuse mode helps push serum into the skin. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 2 July 2024

Salicylic Acid This acid exfoliates, unclogs pores, and reduces acne and blackheads and works best for oily and acne-prone skin. —Larry Stansbury, Essence, 14 Aug. 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