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
Words Nearby scurvy
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use scurvy in a sentence
A note was discovered in 1859 suggesting Franklin died onboard, though dozens of crew members, facing scurvy and starvation in the icy conditions, are believed to have set out on foot in a doomed attempt to reach the Canadian mainland.
As any 18th century sailor will tell you, scurvy is no joke.
After three of her expedition partners had left the island in an attempt to reach Siberia, she was left to care for the last member of their group, who was sick with scurvy.
For all who were able to stomach them, penguin and seal steaks reversed the effects of scurvy.
It struck him that the indigenous inhabitants of the Arctic didn’t suffer from scurvy despite having no access to fresh fruit or other known scurvy-fighting foods.
In the 18th century, German immigrants coming to Pennsylvania boarded ships plagued with typhus, dysentery, smallpox, and scurvy.
Sea captains observed that fewer passengers contracted scurvy on ships stocked with casks of cider aboard.
You have had the impudence to have your bread baked under the ashes, you scurvy beggar!
The Pilgrim's Shell or Fergan the Quarryman | Eugne SueSuch as were sick of the scurvy or other diseases have not wanted physick or chyrurgery.
The Loyalists of America and Their Times, Vol. 1 of 2 | Egerton RyersonIt was far more likely that she would reserve her scurvy tricks for some one else.
That Lass O' Lowrie's | Frances Hodgson BurnettWe were able to send the sufferers from scurvy to range the woods.
Celebrated Travels and Travellers | Jules VerneThe sailors complained of it, and symptoms of scurvy appeared on board.
Celebrated Travels and Travellers | Jules Verne
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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