Word
whitehead
Phoneticswhite·head, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈhwaɪtˌhɛd/
UK/wˈaɪthɛd/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a small, white bump on your skin that happens when a pore gets clogged with oil and dead skin. It is a common type of acne that stays under the surface of the skin.
n. a small, pale papule formed by the accumulation of sebum and keratin within a hair follicle whose opening is closed. Often contrasted with blackheads, which are open to the air and oxidise.
Examples
“I woke up with a small whitehead on my chin.”
“Dermatologists recommend using a gentle cleanser rather than squeezing a whitehead, which can lead to scarring.”
“The clinical trial focused on topical treatments designed to dissolve the keratin plug of a whitehead before the surrounding tissue becomes inflamed.”
Examples
simple
“I woke up with a small whitehead on my chin.”
contextual
“Dermatologists recommend using a gentle cleanser rather than squeezing a whitehead, which can lead to scarring.”
complex
“The clinical trial focused on topical treatments designed to dissolve the keratin plug of a whitehead before the surrounding tissue becomes inflamed.”
Usage
Commonly used in both medical and everyday contexts to describe closed comedones.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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