dandruff

noun dan·druff \ˈdan-drəf\

: very small white pieces of dead skin that form especially on a person's head

Full Definition of DANDRUFF

: scaly white or grayish flakes of dead skin cells especially of the scalp; also : the condition marked by excessive shedding of such flakes and usually accompanied by itching

— dan·druffy \-drə-fē\ adjective

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Origin of DANDRUFF

probably from dand- (origin unknown) + -ruff, from Middle English rove scabby condition, from Old Norse hrūfa scab; akin to Old High German hruf scurf, Lithuanian kraupus rough

First Known Use: 1545

DANDRUFF Defined for Kids

dandruff

noun dan·druff \ˈdan-drəf\

Definition of DANDRUFF for Kids

: thin dry whitish flakes of dead skin that form on the scalp and come off freely

Medical Dictionary

dandruff

noun dan·druff \ˈdan-drəf\

Medical Definition of DANDRUFF

: scaly white or grayish flakes of dead skin cells especially of the scalp; also : the condition marked by excessive shedding of such flakes and usually accompanied by itching

—dan·druffy \-ē\ adjective