What is the medical term for freckles?

Freckles are classified as small, flat, discolored spots on the skin that typically result from sun exposure and genetic factors. The medical term for these types of skin marks is "macules." Macules are defined as flat areas of color change that are less than 1 cm in diameter and are not raised above the surrounding skin. This terminology helps differentiate freckles from other formations on the skin.

The other terms in the options refer to different kinds of skin conditions or markings. "Spots" is a general term and does not specifically indicate a medical condition. "Lesions" can refer to any abnormal change in tissue, which includes a broader range of skin issues, not specifically freckles. "Nevi," commonly known as moles, refer specifically to a different type of skin growth that is usually raised and can be pigmented. Thus, macules is the precise term that specifically refers to the appearance of freckles.