Definition

A small bump on the skin caused by a buildup of oil and dead skin cells in a hair follicle.

Example

She had a whitehead on her chin that she wanted to treat.

Conversation

I noticed a small whitehead on my chin this morning.

Oh no, those can be annoying!

Yeah, I usually get them when my skin is oily.

Maybe try a gentle exfoliant to help prevent them.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Whitehead** → The word is formed from "white" (from Old English *hwita*, meaning bright or light in color) and "head" (from Old English *heafod*, meaning the upper part of the body or the leader). The term "whitehead" refers to a type of acne characterized by a white or light-colored head on the skin, indicating a blockage in the pores.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'bright' or 'light in color' ('white') on the 'top' or 'upper part' ('head') of the skin — that's why a whitehead is a type of acne that appears as a light bump.

Visually Confused Words