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 Facials can also help to minimize pores, reduce hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, and eliminate blackheads. Larry Stansbury, Essence, 18 Jan. 2024 Besides blackheads, these peel pads target fine lines and wrinkles and help smooth skin texture. Macaela MacKenzie, Glamour, 15 Feb. 2024 It’s got 2 percent salicylic acid to unclog pores and bust through whiteheads and blackheads. Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2024 Skin care for teens is especially tricky when coping with persistent acne, excess oil, dark spots, blackheads, dryness, and more. Jenn Barthole, Glamour, 17 Jan. 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. Katiee McKinstry, Rolling Stone, 31 Jan. 2024 Acne is a skin condition usually consisting of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, or acne cysts and nodules (painful acne). Bella Gerard, Health, 26 Jan. 2024 This includes blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and cysts. Jenn Barthole, Glamour, 17 Jan. 2024 The esthetician even performed some extractions to get rid of a few blackheads. Larry Stansbury, Essence, 18 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'blackhead.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 29 Mar. 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 sebum blocking the duct of a sebaceous gland especially on the face compare milium
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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