whitehead

noun

white·head | \ ˈ(h)wīt-ˌhed

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 | \ ˈ(h)wīt-ˌhed

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 Since BHAs remove the pore-cloggers that lead to acne, salicylic acid is best for preventing blackheads and whiteheads. — Katie Bourque, Good Housekeeping, 30 Mar. 2020 In other words, wait until the whitehead has completely formed beneath the skin, otherwise cysts or an infections can occur, warns Russak. — Bella Cacciatore, Glamour, 4 Oct. 2019 In fact actual whiteheads aren’t even really poppable. — Sara Coughlin, SELF, 1 Aug. 2019 Find out how to identify and deal with the different kinds of acne, including blackheads, whiteheads, blind pimples, and cystic zits — because not all purported acne-fighting formulas effectively fight all types of acne. — Deanna Pai, Allure, 4 Mar. 2020 Dapsone is both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, and it’s proven to help with blackheads, whiteheads, and deeper painful pimples. — Jessica Cruel, SELF, 8 Aug. 2019 If your lip pimple looks like whitehead, look for a spot treatment formulated with salicylic acid, which will get deep into your skin and help clear clogged pores. — Yerin Kim, Seventeen, 16 Jan. 2020 Unlike cysts, blackheads, or whiteheads, lipomas don't ooze or spew pus. — Megan Decker, refinery29.com, 3 Jan. 2020 Unlike cysts, blackheads, or whiteheads, lipomas don't ooze or spew pus. — Megan Decker, refinery29.com, 3 Jan. 2020

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.