Scurvy

Scurvy
Scurvy Scur"vy, n. [Probably from the same source as scorbute, but influenced by scurf, scurfy, scurvy, adj.; cf. D. scheurbuik scurvy, G. scharbock, LL. scorbutus. Cf. {Scorbute}.] (Med.) A disease characterized by livid spots, especially about the thighs and legs, due to extravasation of blood, and by spongy gums, and bleeding from almost all the mucous membranes. It is accompanied by paleness, languor, depression, and general debility. It is occasioned by confinement, innutritious food, and hard labor, but especially by lack of fresh vegetable food, or confinement for a long time to a limited range of food, which is incapable of repairing the waste of the system. It was formerly prevalent among sailors and soldiers. [1913 Webster]

{Scurvy grass} [Scurvy + grass; or cf. Icel. skarfak[=a]l scurvy grass.] (Bot.) A kind of cress ({Cochlearia officinalis}) growing along the seacoast of Northern Europe and in arctic regions. It is a remedy for the scurvy, and has proved a valuable food to arctic explorers. The name is given also to other allied species of plants. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • Scurvy — Scur vy, a. [Compar. {Scurvier}; superl. {Scurviest}.] [From {Scurf}; cf. {Scurvy}, n.] 1. Covered or affected with scurf or scabs; scabby; scurfy; specifically, diseased with the scurvy. Whatsoever man . . . be scurvy or scabbed. Lev. xxi. 18,… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • scurvy — 1560s, noun use of adj. scurvy (early 15c.), variant of scurfy (see SCURF (Cf. scurf)). It took on the meaning of Du. scheurbuik, Fr. scorbut scurvy, the disease characterized by swollen and bleeding gums, prostration, etc., perhaps from O.N.… …   Etymology dictionary

  • scurvy — [skʉr′vē] adj. scurvier, scurviest [< SCURF] 1. former var. of SCURFY 2. low; mean; vile; contemptible n. [< SCURVY the adj.] a disease resulting from a deficiency of ascorbic acid in the body, characterized by weakness, anemia, spo …   English World dictionary

  • scurvy — index iniquitous, objectionable, odious, poor (inferior in quality) Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 …   Law dictionary

  • scurvy — adj *contemptible, despicable, pitiable, sorry, cheap, beggarly, shabby Analogous words: *base, low, vile: *mean, abject …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • scurvy — ► NOUN ▪ a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, characterized by bleeding gums and the opening of previously healed wounds. ► ADJECTIVE (scurvier, scurviest) archaic ▪ worthless or contemptible. ORIGIN from SCURF(Cf. ↑scurfy) …   English terms dictionary

  • Scurvy — Classification and external resources Scorbutic gums, a symptom …   Wikipedia

  • scurvy — scurvily, adv. scurviness, n. /skerr vee/, n., adj., scurvier, scurviest. n. 1. Pathol. a disease marked by swollen and bleeding gums, livid spots on the skin, prostration, etc., due to a diet lacking in vitamin C. adj. 2. contemptible;… …   Universalium

  • Scurvy — A disorder caused by lack of vitamin C. Symptoms include anemia; soft, bleeding gums; and bumps under the skin near muscles. Scurvy in early childhood can cause musculoskeletal problems. Treatment is by including foods high in vitamin C in the… …   Medical dictionary

  • scurvy — n. a disease that is caused by a deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Unlike most animals, humans cannot synthesize ascorbic acid and must obtain it from fresh fruit and vegetables. The first sign of scurvy is swollen bleeding gums, and a… …   The new mediacal dictionary

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