acne

[ak-nee]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR acne ON THESAURUS.COM

noun Pathology.

an inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands, characterized by comedones and pimples, especially on the face, back, and chest, and, in severe cases, by cysts and nodules resulting in scarring.

Compare rosacea.

Origin of acne

1820–30; < New Latin < Late Greek aknás, a manuscript error for akmás, accusative plural of akmḗ facial eruption, probably to be identified with Greek akmḗ acme

Also called ac·ne vul·ga·ris

[vuhl-gair-is, -gar-] /vʌlˈgɛər ɪs, -ˈgær-/.

Related formsac·ned, adjective

Can be confusedacme acne

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for acne

blackheads, rosacea, whiteheads, pustules

Examples from the Web for acne

Contemporary Examples of acne

And acne, well, acne is just the great equalizer (move over, death and taxes).
A New Huck on the Hardcore LGBT Hudson
William O’Connor
June 11, 2014
In nervous moments, her hand wanders to a small patch of acne on her forehead, a reminder of just how young she really is.
Hallucinating Away a Heroin Addiction
Abby Haglage
May 4, 2014
Other winners include Nicholas Kirkwood for footwear and accessories design, Erdem for womenswear, and Acne for menswear.
British Vogue Taps John Galliano as Guest Fashion Editor; Christopher Bailey Wins WGSN's Hall of Fame Award
The Fashion Beast Team
October 31, 2013
She says she herself has acne scars from picking at her face in attempt to create perfection.
The War on ‘Teen Vogue’: Young Readers Escalate Campaign for More ‘Real Girls’
Abigail Pesta
July 18, 2012
You gotta have acne scars and a mean dad in your past, not a portfolio and European runway memories.
Twitter Creates a New Star
Jill Soloway
April 22, 2010

Historical Examples of acne

In what respect does the pustular syphiloderm differ from acne?
Essentials of Diseases of the Skin
Henry Weightman Stelwagon
The latter is frequently associated with acne (acne rosacea).
Essentials of Diseases of the Skin
Henry Weightman Stelwagon
In this form of acne the black spots should be picked out with a needle or a small pair of33 tweezers.
Cooley's Cyclopdia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I
Arnold Cooley
The greeter had acne and a pair of tights that showed off his skinny knock-knees.
Makers
Cory Doctorow
It is useful also locally in rheumatic affections as a resolvent and anodyne, in acne, and as a parasiticide.
Scientific American Supplement, No. 384, May 12, 1883
Various

British Dictionary definitions for acne

acne

noun

Also called: acne vulgaris a chronic skin disease common in adolescence, involving inflammation of the sebaceous glands and characterized by pustules on the face, neck, and upper trunkSee also rosacea

Word Origin for acne

C19: New Latin, from a misreading of Greek akmē eruption on the face. See acme

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for acne

1813, from Modern Latin, from aknas, a 6c. Latin clerical misreading of Greek akmas, accusative plural of akme "point" (see acme). The "pointed" pimples are the source of the medical use.

acne in Medicine

acne

[ăk′nē]

n.

An inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles of the skin that is marked by the eruption of pimples or pustules, especially on the face.

Related formsac′ned adj.

acne in Science

acne

[ăk′nē]

An inflammatory disease of the skin in which the sebaceous glands become clogged and infected, often causing the formation of pimples, especially on the face. It is most common during adolescence, but also occurs in infants and adults.