acne

[ak-nee]

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

British Dictionary definitions for acne vulgaris

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 vulgaris

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 vulgaris in Medicine

acne vulgaris

[vŭl-gâr′ĭs]

n.

An inflammatory eruption affecting the face, upper back, and chest, consisting of blackheads, cysts, papules, and pustules, and occurring primarily during puberty and adolescence.

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 vulgaris 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.