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.

---

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

---

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

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 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

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

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

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