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

Fast forward nearly two decades, and I’ve since been blessed with both acne and wrinkles. —Katie McBroom, WWD, 4 Dec. 2024

Routine body hygiene As puberty hits, acne and body odor become more common. —Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN, 3 Dec. 2024

These masks and tools have been gaining in popularity for their promise to erase fine lines and brighten your skin, and some even treat acne. —Nena Farrell, WIRED, 29 Nov. 2024

All that angst, acne, and anguish brings back nothing but sadness. —Allure, 27 Nov. 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