scurvy
Pathology. a disease marked by swollen and bleeding gums, livid spots on the skin, prostration, etc., due to a diet lacking in vitamin C.
contemptible; despicable; mean: a scurvy trick.
Origin of scurvy
1Other words from scurvy
- scur·vi·ly, adverb
- scur·vi·ness, noun
Words that may be confused with scurvy
- scurfy, scurvy
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for scurvy
/ (ˈskɜːvɪ) /
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
mean or despicable: a scurvy knave
Origin of scurvy
1Derived forms of scurvy
- scurvily, adverb
- scurviness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for scurvy
[ skûr′vē ]
A disease caused by vitamin C deficiency, characterized by bleeding of the gums, rupture of capillaries under the skin, loose teeth, and generalized weakness.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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