plural milia
ˈmi-lē-ə
1
: a very small whitish to yellowish firm noninflammatory cyst of the skin (as of the face) that forms due to retention of keratin below the skin's surface
Milia are surface cysts that resemble buried rice kernels. They contain keratin, a skin protein. The face is a favored milia location, often around the eyes or on lids.—Paul Donohue
2
: whitehead
Basically there are blackheads (the black ones) and there are milia (aka whiteheads).—Shannon Buettow
Cite this Entry
“Milium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/milium. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.
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