dandruff

American  

[dan-druhf] / ˈdæn drəf /

Also dandriff

noun

1. a seborrheic scurf that forms on the scalp and comes off in small scales.

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dandruff British  

/ ˈdændrəf /

noun

1. Also called (now rarely): dandriff.  loose scales of dry dead skin shed from the scalp

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• dandriffy
  adjective
• dandruffy
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of dandruff

First recorded in 1535–45; origin uncertain

Explanation

When you have dandruff, there are an unusually large number of skin cells flaking off your scalp. Dandruff can be itchy and irritating, and a little embarrassing. Most people have a least a little bit of dandruff, since the shedding of skin cells from the scalp is perfectly normal. Dandruff only becomes a problem if your head is constantly itchy and your shoulders are always covered in white flakes. While we know the word dandruff dates from the 16th century, much of its origin is uncertain. The last part, -ruff probably comes from East Anglian dialect, huff or hurf, "scab."