blemish

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verb blem·ish \ˈble-mish\

Definition of blemish

transitive verb
: to spoil by a flaw

See blemish defined for English-language learners

Examples of blemish in a Sentence

A series of burn marks blemish the table's surface.
The incident blemished his reputation.

Origin and Etymology of blemish

Middle English blemisshen, to damage, injure, sully, from Anglo-French blemiss-, stem of blemir, blesmir, from Old French, literally, to make pale by wounding, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German blasros horse with a blaze, Old Norse blesi blaze — more at blaze

First Known Use: 14th century

blemish

noun blem·ish

Definition of blemish

: a noticeable imperfection; especially : one that seriously impairs appearance

See blemish defined for English-language learners

See blemish defined for kids

Examples of blemish in a Sentence

The cream is supposed to prevent blemishes on the skin.
The table had a few scratches and minor blemishes.
The book fails to mention any of the organization's many blemishes.
The incident was a blemish on his record.

1535

First Known Use of blemish

1535

Other Medicine Terms

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BLEMISH Defined for English Language Learners

blemish

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verb

Definition of blemish for English Language Learners

: to make (something) imperfect or less beautiful : to hurt or damage the good condition of (something)

blemish

noun

Definition of blemish for English Language Learners

: a mark that makes something imperfect or less beautiful : an unwanted mark on the surface of something
: a fact or event that causes people to respect someone or something less

BLEMISH Defined for Kids

blemish

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noun blem·ish \ˈblem-ish\

Definition of blemish for Students

: a mark that makes something imperfect : an unwanted mark on a surface

blemish

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verb blem·ish

Definition of blemish for Students

blemished

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blemishing

: to spoil by or as if by an ugly mark A scratch blemished the table. The loss blemished their record.

Medical Dictionary

blemish

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noun blem·ish \ˈblem-ish\

Medical Definition of blemish

: a mark of physical deformity or injury: asa: any small mark on the skin (as a pimple or birthmark) blemishes symptomatic of acneb: a defect of an animal (as a horse) that detracts from its appearance but does not interfere with its usefulness