acne

/ˈækni/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: acnes · acnae

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A skin condition, usually of the face, that is common in adolescents. It is characterised by red pimples, and is caused by the inflammation of sebaceous glands through bacterial infection; acne vulgaris.

Noun

Examples

He struggled with severe acne during his teenage years.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A pattern of blemishes in an area of skin resulting from the skin condition.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “acne” mean?

A skin condition, usually of the face, that is common in adolescents. It is characterised by red pimples, and is caused by the inflammation of sebaceous glands through bacterial infection; acne vulgaris.

Is “acne” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.