Definition

Noun: A stretch mark is a visible line or streak on the skin, typically appearing as a narrow, indented band. It is caused by the skin stretching rapidly and the underlying connective tissue being placed under tension, which can lead to small tears. These marks are most common on the abdomen, breasts, hips, buttocks, and thighs.

Usage

Stretch marks are a common skin condition. They often appear during periods of rapid growth or weight change, such as pregnancy, puberty, or significant muscle gain. They are not a medical concern but are often discussed in cosmetic or dermatological contexts.

Examples

• After her pregnancy, she noticed several stretch marks on her stomach.
• Rapid weight gain during adolescence can lead to the development of stretch marks.
• Many creams claim to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, but their effectiveness varies.

Advanced Usage

• "to be covered in stretch marks": To have many stretch marks on an area of the body.
  • His shoulders were covered in stretch marks from his intense bodybuilding regimen.
• "the formation of stretch marks": The process by which stretch marks develop.
  • The formation of stretch marks is linked to both genetics and the degree of skin stretching.

Variants and Related Words

• Striae (n): The medical or dermatological term for stretch marks.
  • The doctor diagnosed the lines on her skin as striae gravidarum (pregnancy-related stretch marks).
• Striae atrophicae (n): Another technical term for stretch marks, emphasizing the thinning (atrophy) of the skin.

Synonyms

• Striae: (Medical synonym)
• Striae distensae: (Medical synonym)
• Tiger stripes: (Informal, often positive term used particularly for postpartum stretch marks)

Related Phrases

• To get stretch marks: To develop stretch marks.
  • She was worried she would get stretch marks during her pregnancy.
• To fade stretch marks: For the color of stretch marks to become less noticeable over time (they often start red or purple and fade to a silvery-white).
  • Over the years, her stretch marks have faded significantly.

Noun

1. a narrow band resulting from tension on the skin (as on abdominal skin after pregnancy)