stretch mark

Definition

Any of a series of red (or purple or faded), irregular stripes on the surface of the skin caused by rapid growth of the tissues lying just underneath. They may appear as a result of pregnancy, puberty, obesity, rapid muscle growth or family history.

Example Sentences

• "Nobody in Cameron's family has stretch marks, and he thinks it's because their tissues grow slowly enough for the skin to catch up."
• "She hadn't even looked pregnant, especially with her clothes on. She'd gotten only one stretch mark. A thin, jagged line on her left booty cheek."