acne

noun

ac·​ne ˈak-nē 

: a disorder of the skin that is marked by blemishes (such as whiteheads, blackheads, or pustules) especially on the face, chest, and shoulders and is caused by inflammation of sebaceous glands and hair follicles

especially : a form found chiefly in adolescents

acned

ˈak-nēd 

adjective

an acned teenager

acned skin

Examples of acne in a Sentence

a teenager with bad acne

Recent Examples on the Web

As an adult, she was also racked with severe pain as well as nausea, heavy periods, acne and rupturing ovarian cysts. — Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

While dairy doesn’t directly cause acne in everyone, certain components in milk and dairy products, including hormones and proteins like whey, may contribute to breakouts. — Lindsay Curtis, HEALTH, 7 Sep. 2026

This means that the duration and severity of acne flare-ups may be shorter and less severe. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 4 Sep. 2026

For those not aware, this essential nutrient plays a key role in vision, immune function, and skin health — cutting back on hyperpigmentation, fighting oxidative stress, addressing acne, and even tackling conditions like psoriasis. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026

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

Phrases Containing acne

• acne rosacea
• anti-acne
• mask acne

Kids Definition

acne

noun

ac·​ne ˈak-nē 

: a disorder of the skin caused by inflammation of skin glands and hair follicles and marked by pimples especially on the face

Medical Definition

acne

noun

ac·​ne ˈak-nē 

: a disorder of the skin that is marked by blemishes (such as whiteheads, blackheads, or pustules) especially on the face, chest, and shoulders and is caused by inflammation of sebaceous glands and hair follicles

especially : a form found chiefly in adolescents : acne vulgaris

acned

-nēd 

adjective