First Known Use: circa 1565
Dictionary
1scurvy
noun scur·vy \ˈskər-vē\
: a disease that is caused by not eating enough fruits or vegetables that contain vitamin C
Full Definition of SCURVY
: a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C and characterized by spongy gums, loosening of the teeth, and a bleeding into the skin and mucous membranes
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Origin of SCURVY
2scurvy
Other Medicine Terms
2scurvy
adjective
Definition of SCURVY
: arousing disgust or scorn : contemptible, despicable <a scurvy trick>
— scur·vi·ly \-və-lē\ adverb
— scur·vi·ness \-vē-nəs\ noun
Origin of SCURVY
scurf
First Known Use: 1579
Related to SCURVY
- Synonyms
- cheap, cruddy, deplorable, despicable, dirty, grubby, lame, lousy, mean, nasty, paltry, pitiable, pitiful, ratty, scabby, scummy, contemptible, sneaking, sorry, wretched
- Antonyms
- admirable, commendable, creditable, laudable, meritorious, praiseworthy
Synonym Discussion of SCURVY
contemptible, despicable, pitiable, sorry, scurvy mean arousing or deserving scorn. contemptible may imply any quality provoking scorn or a low standing in any scale of values <a contemptible liar>. despicable may imply utter worthlessness and usually suggests arousing an attitude of moral indignation <a despicable crime>. pitiable applies to what inspires mixed contempt and pity <a pitiable attempt at tragedy>. sorry may stress pitiable inadequacy or may suggest wretchedness or sordidness <this rattletrap is a sorry excuse for a car>. scurvy adds to despicable an implication of arousing disgust <a scurvy crew of hangers-on>.
SCURVY Defined for Kids
1scurvy
noun scur·vy \ˈskər-vē\
Definition of SCURVY for Kids
: a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C in which the teeth loosen, the gums soften, and there is bleeding under the skin
2scurvy
adjective
scur·vi·erscur·vi·est
Definition of SCURVY for Kids
: 2mean 1, contemptible <a scurvy trick>
Medical Dictionary
scurvy
noun scur·vy \ˈskər-vē\
plural scur·vies
Medical Definition of SCURVY
: a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C and characterized by spongy gums, loosening of the teeth, and bleeding into the skin and mucous membranes—called also scorbutus
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