blackhead

noun

black·​head ˈblak-ˌhed How to pronounce blackhead (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for blackhead 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1837, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of blackhead was circa 1837

Dictionary Entries Near blackhead

Cite this Entry

“Blackhead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blackhead. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

blackhead

noun
black·​head ˈblak-ˌhed How to pronounce blackhead (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce blackhead (audio)
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

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