Word Noun
whitehead
n.
countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈhwaɪtˌhɛd/ UK /wˈaɪthɛd/ white·head UK spelling whiteheads
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.”
Usage
Commonly used in both medical and everyday contexts to describe closed comedones.
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated