Birthmarks

/ˈbɜːrθmɑːrks/ noun

Definition

Colored spots or marks present on the skin at birth; distinctive features someone is born with.

Etymology

Compound of 'birth' and 'marks,' literally marks that appear at birth. The term has been used since at least the 1500s to describe skin blemishes present from birth.

Kelly Says

For centuries, people told wild stories about birthmarks—some thought they reflected what the mother looked at during pregnancy (totally false!), but they're actually just random variations in skin pigmentation!

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