Definition

A tiny, white or yellow bump on the skin that forms when a sebaceous gland gets blocked and retains its secretion.

Example

The dermatologist removed the milium from my cheek during the appointment.

Conversation

I noticed a small bump on my cheek; it looks like a milium.

Oh, I've seen those before! They're pretty common.

Yeah, I thought it was just a pimple, but it's been there for weeks.

You might want to check with a dermatologist to get it looked at.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Milium** → The word 'milium' comes from Latin 'milium', which refers to a type of grain, specifically millet. It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root '*melit-', meaning honey or sweet, which relates to the sweetness of the grain. The term 'milium' refers to a specific type of grain that is often sweet in taste.

Memory Tip

Think of 'milium' as a type of grain that is sweet, connecting it to its Latin roots related to sweetness.

Visually Confused Words