acne

noun

ac·ne ˈak-nē

: a disorder of the skin caused by inflammation of the skin glands and hair follicles

specifically : a form found chiefly in adolescents and marked by pimples especially on the face

acned

ˈak-nēd

adjective

Example Sentences

a teenager with bad acne

Recent Examples on the Web In one study, the participants' acne improved in four weeks using the treatment.5 Another study found that chlorophyll helps prevent DNA damage. —

Health, 7 Mar. 2023 The same is often true for customers with acne and other skin conditions. —

Dallas News, 21 Dec. 2022 Gone are the days of harsh, stripping toners and trying to scrub away your acne. —

Hannah Oh, Seventeen, 2 Nov. 2022 After finding the miracle that is the Clarifying Spot Treatment, regular reappearances of my chin acne have been few and far between. —

Lydia Mansel, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2022 Those who get regular flare-ups or have acne-prone skin can benefit from a spritz before makeup and at night to avoid irritation and environmental stress. —

Kayla Blanton, Health, 2 Mar. 2023 For those with aging, acne-prone skin, a moisturizing yet lightweight foundation is your best bet. —

Sam Peters, ELLE, 28 Feb. 2023 Mineral sunscreen has ingredients like zinc or titanium dioxide that can be better suited for sensitive or acne-prone skin. —

Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 28 Feb. 2023 For example, their award-winning Clarity Oil is ideal for anyone with acne-prone skin, hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and uneven skin tone. —

Bianca Lambert, Peoplemag, 21 Feb. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'acne.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin acnē, acna, borrowed from Late Greek aknḗ "eruption on the face," manuscript variant of akmḗ, literally, "point" — more at acme

First Known Use

1743, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of acne was in 1743

See more words from the same year