scurvy

American  

[skur-vee] / ˈskɜr vi /

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.

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adjective

scurvier, scurviest

1. contemptible; despicable; mean.

   a scurvy trick.

scurvy British  

/ 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

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adjective

1. mean or despicable

   a scurvy knave

scurvy Scientific  

/ 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.

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Other Word Forms

• scurvily adverb
• scurviness noun

Etymology

Origin of scurvy

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

Example Sentences

Cases include electrocution, drowning, overdose, scurvy, sickle cell anemia, a nail in the chest, a fastball in the eye and gallstones, with all the personal drama one expects from a hospital show.

From Los Angeles Times

“Because ye scared me parrot, ye scurvy brat!” the captain roared.

From Literature

"A diet like this over weeks would lead to 'hidden hunger', increasing the risk of diseases like anaemia and scurvy" he said.

From BBC

"Apparently around fishes' eyes is all vitamins, so she never had scurvy or anything."

From BBC

Funk’s research also showed that the lack of certain vitamins would cause illness, including a disease called pellagra when the body lacked vitamin B3 and scurvy when it lacked vitamin C.

From Salon

Related Words

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