sunburn

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   red, sore, or damaged skin caused by too much exposure to sunlight

   Her shoulders developed a painful sunburn after the long afternoon outdoors.

2. 2
   verb

   to become burned or irritated through exposure to sunlight

   Pale skin can sunburn quickly without adequate protection.

A compound of sun + burn, continuing formations recorded in Middle English. The noun names skin damage caused by ultraviolet sunlight; the verb describes acquiring that damage.

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