scurvy

[ skur-vee ]
/ ˈskɜr vi /

noun

Pathology. a disease marked by swollen and bleeding gums, livid spots on the skin, prostration, etc., due to a diet lacking in vitamin C.

adjective, scur·vi·er, scur·vi·est.

contemptible; despicable; mean: a scurvy trick.

Origin of scurvy

First recorded in 1555–65; scurf + -y1

OTHER WORDS FROM scurvy

scur·vi·ly, adverb scur·vi·ness, noun

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH scurvy

scurfy scurvy

Example sentences from the Web for scurvy

British Dictionary definitions for scurvy

scurvy
/ (ˈskɜːvɪ) /

noun

a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C, characterized by anaemia, spongy gums, bleeding beneath the skin, and (in infants) malformation of bones and teeth Related adjective: scorbutic

adjective -vier or -viest

mean or despicable a scurvy knave

Derived forms of scurvy

scurvily, adverb scurviness, noun

Word Origin for scurvy

C16: see scurf

Medical definitions for scurvy

scurvy
[ skûrvē ]

n.

A disease caused by deficiency of vitamin C and characterized by spongy bleeding gums, bleeding under the skin, and weakness.

Scientific definitions for scurvy

scurvy
[ skûrvē ]

A disease caused by vitamin C deficiency, characterized by bleeding of the gums, rupture of capillaries under the skin, loose teeth, and generalized weakness.