acne

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.

“Acne” is pronounced AK-nee (/ˈækni/ in IPA).

Here is “acne” used in a sentence: “He started using a special face wash to help with his acne.”

“Acne” is a noun.

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.

“Acne” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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.

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.

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.