whitehead
noun
white·head
ˈ(h)wīt-ˌhed
: a small whitish elevation of the skin (as on the face) due to retention of sebum and dead skin cells in a skin pore blocked by a thin layer of epithelium
called also closed comedo, comedo, milium
compare blackhead sense 1Examples of whitehead in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
When combined with sweat, dirt, and dead skin cells, excess sebum can clog pores, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, and breakouts.
—
Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 2025
Here's how dermatologists suggest dealing with whiteheads.
—
Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025
Testers considered performance across formula strength, efficacy (whether for blackheads, whiteheads, dark spots, etc.), and results while keeping the price in mind.
—
Deanna Pai, Allure, 23 Dec. 2024
Not to mention, there are various types of acne, from superficial blackheads and whiteheads to hormonal cysts.
—
Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 14 Oct. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1886, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near whitehead
Cite this Entry
“Whitehead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whitehead. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
whitehead
noun
white·head
ˈhwīt-ˌhed
ˈwīt-
: a small whitish lump in the skin caused by the fluid given off by an oil gland when the canal leading from the gland is blocked
Medical Definition
whitehead
noun
white·head
-ˌhed
1
: a small whitish noninflammatory elevation of the skin (as on the face) due to retention of sebum and dead skin cells in a skin pore blocked by a thin layer of epithelium
called also closed comedo, comedo
compare blackhead sense 12
Biographical Definition
Whitehead 1 of 2
biographical name (1)
White·head
ˈ(h)wīt-ˌhed
Alfred North 1861–1947 English mathematician and philosopher
Whitehead
2 of 2biographical name (2)
William 1715–1785 English dramatist; poet laureate (1757–85)
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