Pronunciation: [pˈɒkmɑːks] (IPA) 
Pockmarks is a word made up of two syllables, "pock" and "marks." The first syllable is pronounced as /pɒk/ which rhymes with sock or rock. The second syllable is pronounced /mɑːks/ which rhymes with parks or larks. A pockmark is a scar or indentation on the skin caused by smallpox or acne. The word is spelled with two "c"s and not with a "k" because it comes from the Old English word "pocc" meaning "pustule."
Pockmarks refer to small depressions or pits on the surface of an object, commonly observed on natural structures such as stone, rock, or land, but also on the human skin. These indentations are typically round or oval-shaped, with varying depths and sizes. The term "pockmark" is derived from the words "pock" meaning a small pit or ulcer and "mark" indicating a visible spot or blemish.
In geological terms, pockmarks can occur as the result of erosion or weathering processes, where small areas of the surface are eroded at a faster rate than the surrounding material, leaving behind small indentations. This phenomenon is often seen on limestone or sandstone surfaces. On human or animal skin, pockmarks are characterized by small scars or depressions left after the healing of severe acne or certain infectious diseases like smallpox.
Pockmarks can also be found underwater and are associated with the ocean floor. These underwater pockmarks are typically a result of the release of gas or fluids from beneath the seabed. They are commonly circular or elliptical and can vary in size from meters to kilometers in diameter. These formations may have scientific significance in understanding the presence of hydrocarbons or geological activity beneath the seafloor.
Overall, the term pockmarks encompasses small hollows or indentations that are a visible sign of surface erosion or skin irregularities found in various contexts, including geology, human health, and marinelife.
The word "pockmarks" originated from the combination of two Old English terms: "pock" and "mark".
The term "pock" can be traced back to the late Old English word "poc", which referred to a pustule or a blister. It is believed to have originated from the Middle Dutch word "pokke" or Middle Low German word "pocke", both with the same meaning.
The word "mark" has roots in Old English as well, stemming from the word "mearc" which meant a boundary or a sign. It can be linked to the Old Norse word "merki" and the Old High German word "marca".
The combination of "pock" and "mark" in the word "pockmarks" is believed to have originated in the late 16th century.
