whitehead

noun

white·head | \ ˈhwīt-ˌhed

, ˈwīt-\

Definition of whitehead

(Entry 1 of 3)

: a small whitish elevation of the skin (as on the face) due to retention of sebum and dead skin cells in a skin pore blocked by a thin layer of epithelium

— called also closed comedo, comedo, milium

— compare blackhead sense 1

Whitehead

biographical name (1)

White·head | \ ˈhwīt-ˌhed

, ˈwīt-\

Definition of Whitehead (Entry 2 of 3)

Alfred North 1861–1947 English mathematician and philosopher

Whitehead

biographical name (2)

Definition of Whitehead (Entry 3 of 3)

William 1715–1785 English dramatist; poet laureate (1757–85)

Examples of whitehead in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Salicylic acid is really only ideal for blackheads and whiteheads. — Kat Suico, Allure, "The 21 Best Skin-Care Tips of All Time, According to Dermatologists," 23 Mar. 2019 The five-product range — made to cleanse, exfoliate, tone, treat, and moisturize — is stacked with pore-care superstars, all meant to efficiently combat the most common and irritating skin issues like whiteheads, blackheads, and uneven skin texture. — Tanisha Pina, Allure, "This K-Beauty Brand Just Launched at Walmart and Products Are Already Selling Out," 1 Aug. 2018 Apparently, one full hour of watching Dr. Sandra Lee (better known as Dr. Pimple Popper) work her magic and drain pus from some of the biggest cysts, boils, and whiteheads is still not enough. — Hilary Shepherd, Teen Vogue, "Dr. Pimple Popper Launches New Website With Behind the Scenes Videos," 8 Aug. 2018 Unfortunately, blind pimples are more difficult to treat than a whitehead or blackhead. — Yerin Kim, Seventeen, "Everything You Need to Know About Blind Pimples," 30 Oct. 2018 Drawing out a big pimple once the whitehead is poking through your skin. — Leah Prinzivalli, Glamour, "How to Get Rid of a Pimple Fast: 12 Dos & Don'ts of Fighting Acne," 17 Jan. 2019 Some of the spots are peaked into whiteheads, but most are lurking painfully under my skin. — Rachel Nussbaum, Glamour, "Erborian's CC Cream Cancels Out Redness Like Magic," 16 Oct. 2018 Mainly because there are two categories of breakouts: non-inflammatory (think whiteheads and blackheads) and inflammatory (pustules/zits, nodules, and cysts). — Molly Nover-baker, Redbook, "How to Get Rid of Annoying Acne, So You Don't Have to Feel Like a Miserable Teenager," 27 Dec. 2016 These transparent acne patches, laced with salicylic acid, can clear up whiteheads and blackheads overnight like actual magic. — Tanisha Pina, Allure, "Dermstore's Anniversary Sale Has Officially Started — And Even Sunday Riley Is on Sale," 9 Aug. 2018

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