noun
Uncommon
acne
AK-nee
Acne (noun) means a skin condition, common in teenagers, causing spots and pimples from blocked and inflamed pores. Example: “He started using a special face wash to help with his acne.”
noun
1
A skin condition, common in teenagers, causing spots and pimples from blocked and inflamed pores.
"He started using a special face wash to help with his acne."
"Stress can sometimes make acne worse."
How to use acne
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSpots and pimples on the skin, especially the face, most common during the teenage years.
Common pairings
acne scars
suffer from acne
acne breakout
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Word forms
- Plural
- acnes, acnae
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He started using a special face wash to help with his _____.
Etymology
From a New Latin word likely mangled from the Ancient Greek akme, "point" — probably a copying error for a word describing skin eruptions.
Synonyms
View more →
pimples
spots
breakouts
blemishes
zits
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “acne” mean?
The word “acne” means a skin condition, common in teenagers, causing spots and pimples from blocked and inflamed pores. In plain terms, spots and pimples on the skin, especially the face, most common during the teenage years.
How do you pronounce “acne”?
“Acne” is pronounced AK-nee (/ˈækni/ in IPA).
How do you use “acne” in a sentence?
Here is “acne” used in a sentence: “He started using a special face wash to help with his acne.”
What part of speech is “acne”?
“Acne” is a noun.
Where does the word “acne” come from?
The word “acne” comes from Ancient Greek. From a New Latin word likely mangled from the Ancient Greek akme, "point" — probably a copying error for a word describing skin eruptions.
Is “acne” a common word?
“Acne” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between acne and a pimple?
A pimple is a single blocked or inflamed pore, while acne is the broader skin condition marked by repeated outbreaks of many such spots and pimples. In other words, a pimple is one instance, and acne is the ongoing condition.
Does acne only affect teenagers?
Acne is most commonly associated with the teenage years, which is why it's often described as common in teenagers, but the definition centers on the skin condition itself rather than setting a strict age limit.
What actually causes the spots seen in acne?
According to the definition, acne spots and pimples form when pores become blocked and inflamed. This blockage and inflammation is the underlying mechanism behind the visible symptoms of the condition.
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