B2 noun Neutral

blackhead

/ˈblæk.hed/

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 5
1

I 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.

2

Clinical observation revealed several blackheads concentrated in the patient's nasal region.

Clinical observation revealed several blackheads concentrated in the patient's nasal region.

3

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.

Word Family

Noun
blackhead
Adjective
blackhead-prone
Related
comedo
💡

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

1

I noticed a small blackhead on my nose while looking in the mirror this morning.

everyday

I noticed a small blackhead on my nose while looking in the mirror this morning.

2

Clinical observation revealed several blackheads concentrated in the patient's nasal region.

formal

Clinical observation revealed several blackheads concentrated in the patient's nasal region.

3

Do you have any of those nose strips? I've got a stubborn blackhead that won't go away.

informal

Do you have any of those nose strips? I've got a stubborn blackhead that won't go away.

4

The formation of a blackhead, technically known as an open comedo, results from the accumulation of sebum and keratin.

academic

The formation of a blackhead, technically known as an open comedo, results from the accumulation of sebum and keratin.

5

Our marketing campaign for the new cleanser should emphasize its efficacy in blackhead prevention.

business

Our marketing campaign for the new cleanser should emphasize its efficacy in blackhead prevention.

Word Family

Noun
blackhead
Adjective
blackhead-prone
Related
comedo

Common Collocations

remove blackheads to extract or eliminate blackheads
stubborn blackhead a blackhead that is difficult to remove
blackhead extractor a metal tool used to remove blackheads
prone to blackheads having skin that frequently develops blackheads
squeeze a blackhead to apply pressure to the skin to force the clog out

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

blackhead vs whitehead

A whitehead is a closed pore that remains white or flesh-colored because the oil is not exposed to air.

blackhead vs mole

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

Countable noun Regular plural form: blackheads
🌍

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

obgenly

C1

Describing qualities or characteristics that are intrinsic, fundamental, or naturally occurring within a specific category, class, or genus. It suggests that a trait is not acquired through external influence but is a core component of the entity's classification.

bilabancy

C1

To alternate or waver between two specific choices, conditions, or states in a rhythmic or repetitive manner. It describes both the physical movement of shifting weight and the mental process of indecision between two poles.

homomemy

C1

Describing a state of identical or near-perfect replication of a conceptual or structural unit within a system. It is used to characterize patterns where a 'meme' or fundamental component remains unchanged across various iterations or transmissions.

synformile

C1

A synformile is a specialized structural unit or component designed to precisely match or align with a corresponding external template or matrix. In technical contexts, it refers to an element that maintains spatial consistency and structural parity within a larger system.

antesophtion

C1

Describing a state, concept, or period existing before the attainment of philosophical wisdom or intellectual sophistication. It refers to rudimentary or naive perspectives that have not yet been refined by deep critical thought or scholarly maturity.

contrafidable

C1

To formally challenge or invalidate a statement or agreement by presenting evidence that contradicts a previously established position of trust. It is used primarily in legal or high-stakes contexts when one party acts against a confidential understanding.

autotegious

C1

To provide oneself with a protective covering or to self-shield against external environmental factors. It typically describes the action of an organism or system creating its own defensive layer or housing without outside assistance.

monoonymism

C1

The practice or state of being known by a single name (a mononym) rather than a multi-part name including a surname. This phenomenon is frequently observed in historical records, the arts, and specific cultural naming conventions.

proscribhood

C1

Relating to the state or quality of being officially forbidden, denounced, or legally excluded from society. It describes an entity, person, or practice that exists under a formal ban or a condition of social ostracism.

supercuracy

C1

A level of precision that exceeds standard or expected limits, often used in technical, scientific, or computational contexts to describe near-perfect accuracy. It signifies the achievement of performance that is significantly higher than conventional benchmarks, particularly in data processing or high-end instrumentation.

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