noun
acne
AK-nee/ˈækni/
A skin condition causing pimples and inflamed pores.
Small pimples and inflamed pores mark the adult's cheek with acne.
Etymology
The 'point' in Greek akmē refers here to the pointed pimples that gave the condition its medical name. Acne thus shares its underlying word with acme, but applies the image to skin eruptions.
In context
if you have an active skin condition like acne or rosacea, I suggest avoiding physical exfoliants because they can end up really irritating these inflamed areas
More examples
- Her acne first appeared during adolescence.
- He chooses makeup formulated for skin prone to acne.
- The article discusses the emotional effects of persistent acne.
Similar words
- pimples
- Names individual skin spots rather than the underlying condition.
- breakout
- Names an episode of spots rather than a continuing condition.