blackhead
A small, dark-colored bump on the skin caused by a clogged hair follicle where oil and skin cells have oxidized upon contact with air. They are a mild type of acne that commonly appears on the face, particularly on the nose and chin.
Examples
3 of 5I noticed a small blackhead on my nose while looking in the mirror this morning.
I noticed a small blackhead on my nose while looking in the mirror this morning.
Clinical observation revealed several blackheads concentrated in the patient's nasal region.
Clinical observation revealed several blackheads concentrated in the patient's nasal region.
Do you have any of those nose strips? I've got a stubborn blackhead that won't go away.
Do you have any of those nose strips? I've got a stubborn blackhead that won't go away.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of it literally: it is a 'head' (the top of a plug) that has turned 'black' because of the air.
Quick Quiz
Using a harsh scrub every day can irritate your skin, even if you are trying to get rid of a ____.
Correct!
The correct answer is: blackhead
Examples
I noticed a small blackhead on my nose while looking in the mirror this morning.
everydayI noticed a small blackhead on my nose while looking in the mirror this morning.
Clinical observation revealed several blackheads concentrated in the patient's nasal region.
formalClinical observation revealed several blackheads concentrated in the patient's nasal region.
Do you have any of those nose strips? I've got a stubborn blackhead that won't go away.
informalDo you have any of those nose strips? I've got a stubborn blackhead that won't go away.
The formation of a blackhead, technically known as an open comedo, results from the accumulation of sebum and keratin.
academicThe formation of a blackhead, technically known as an open comedo, results from the accumulation of sebum and keratin.
Our marketing campaign for the new cleanser should emphasize its efficacy in blackhead prevention.
businessOur marketing campaign for the new cleanser should emphasize its efficacy in blackhead prevention.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
blackhead removal
the act of cleaning out clogged pores
T-zone blackheads
blackheads found on the forehead and nose
blackhead clearing
the process of making skin free of blackheads
Often Confused With
A whitehead is a closed pore that remains white or flesh-colored because the oil is not exposed to air.
A mole is a permanent growth of pigmented cells on the skin, not a temporary clog of oil.
Usage Notes
The term is used widely in both beauty contexts and general health discussions. While 'blackhead' is the common term, 'open comedo' is the medical equivalent used by dermatologists.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use the word to describe any dark spot on the face, including freckles or moles, but it specifically refers to a pore clogged with oil.
Memory Tip
Think of it literally: it is a 'head' (the top of a plug) that has turned 'black' because of the air.
Word Origin
A compound word from the late 19th century, combining 'black' and 'head' to describe the physical appearance of the oxidized sebum plug.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In modern digital culture, 'blackhead extraction' has become a popular genre of 'satisfying' videos on social media platforms.
Quick Quiz
Using a harsh scrub every day can irritate your skin, even if you are trying to get rid of a ____.
Correct!
The correct answer is: blackhead
Related Words
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