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

This acne cream pairs tretinoin—up to 0.055%—with clindamycin, which is a topical antibiotic that targets acne-causing bacteria, and azelaic acid, which dials down the inflammation that contributes to both redness and acne scars. —Deanna Pai, Vogue, 16 Sep. 2024

How can a dermatologist treat cystic acne breakouts? —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 13 Sep. 2024

For some people, using Vaseline on their face may cause clogged pores or acne breakouts. Inside your nostrils. —Rosanna Sutherby, Verywell Health, 11 Sep. 2024

This can cause irregular menstrual cycles, as well as symptoms including excess body hair, weight gain, acne, thinning hair and skin tags, per Johns Hopkins. —Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 6 Sep. 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