scurvy

[ skur-vee ]

noun

1. 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.

1. contemptible; despicable; mean:

   a scurvy trick.

scurvy

/ ˈskɜːvɪ /

noun

1. 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 scorbutic

adjective

1. mean or despicable

   a scurvy knave

scurvy

/ skûr′vē /

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

Derived Forms

• ˈscurviness, noun
• ˈscurvily, adverb

Other Words From

• scurvi·ly adverb
• scurvi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of scurvy¹

First recorded in 1555–65; scurf + -y ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of scurvy¹

C16: see scurf

Example Sentences

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.

From Ozy

As any 18th century sailor will tell you, scurvy is no joke.

From Popular-Science

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.

From Ozy

For all who were able to stomach them, penguin and seal steaks reversed the effects of scurvy.

From Time

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.

From Time

In the 18th century, German immigrants coming to Pennsylvania boarded ships plagued with typhus, dysentery, smallpox, and scurvy.

From The Daily Beast

Sea captains observed that fewer passengers contracted scurvy on ships stocked with casks of cider aboard.

From The Daily Beast

You have had the impudence to have your bread baked under the ashes, you scurvy beggar!

From Project Gutenberg

Such as were sick of the scurvy or other diseases have not wanted physick or chyrurgery.

From Project Gutenberg

It was far more likely that she would reserve her scurvy tricks for some one else.

From Project Gutenberg

We were able to send the sufferers from scurvy to range the woods.

From Project Gutenberg

The sailors complained of it, and symptoms of scurvy appeared on board.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• dismal
• distressing
• insignificant
• lamentable
• miserable
• paltry
• pathetic
• sad
• shabby
• sorry
• touching
• woeful
• wretched