pockmark

American  

[pok-mahrk] / ˈpɒkˌmɑrk /

noun

1. Usually pockmarks. scars or pits left by a pustule in smallpox or the like.

2. a small pit or scar.

   a tabletop full of pockmarks.

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verb (used with object)

1. to mark or scar with or as with pockmarks.

   gopher holes pockmarking the field.

pockmark British  

/ ˈpɒkˌmɑːk /

noun

1. Also called: pock.  a pitted scar left on the skin after the healing of a smallpox or similar pustule

2. any pitting of a surface that resembles or suggests such scars

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verb

1. (tr) to scar or pit (a surface) with pockmarks

Other Word Forms

• pockmarked
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of pockmark

First recorded in 1665–75; pock + mark ¹

Explanation

A pockmark is a small, concave scar on a person's skin. Pockmarks can be caused by severe acne. People who have a lot of pimples as teenagers sometimes end up with pockmarks on their faces as adults. Any serious skin condition — including chickenpox or insect bites — can result in a pockmark. You can also use this word as a verb, either to mean "mark with scars," or to describe something that reminds you of pockmarked skin: "The rain pockmarks the smooth sand on the beach."

Example Sentences

The Sur Pockmark Field is bordered by two channels -- the Lucia Chica Channel to the north and the San Simeon Channel to the south -- but is otherwise broad and open terrain.

From Science Daily • May 21, 2024

Exactly how currents and sediments move over the dimpled surface of the Sur Pockmark Field is still unknown.

From Science Daily • May 21, 2024

The Sur Pockmark Field -- an area about the size of the city of Los Angeles that is located off the coast of Big Sur, California -- contains more than 5,200 circular depressions.

From Science Daily • May 21, 2024

The research team deployed MBARI's advanced underwater robots to study the Sur Pockmark Field.

From Science Daily • May 21, 2024

It turns out that the governor purchased his title, and now that he’s an ex-governor there’s nothing to keep Pockmark Zhang from stealing his identity.

From Slate • Feb. 29, 2012