scrofulous

[ skrof-yuh-luhs ]

adjective

1. pertaining to, resembling, of the nature of, or affected with scrofula.
2. morally tainted.

ˈscrofulous

/ ˈskrɒfjʊləs /

adjective

1. of, relating to, resembling, or having scrofula
2. morally degraded

Derived Forms

• ˈscrofulously, adverb
• ˈscrofulousness, noun

Other Words From

• scrofu·lous·ly adverb
• scrofu·lous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrofulous¹

First recorded in 1605–15; scroful(a) + -ous

Example Sentences

Sheerly by chance, some of those scrofulous churls will have some minor position of power in one institution or another.

From The Daily Beast

He was suffering from a scrofulous ulcer in the neck, and it was a hideous disfigurement.

From Project Gutenberg

The European half-castes are not prolific inter se, and they are subject to a scrofulous taint.

From Project Gutenberg

Formerly, like other scrofulous persons, I had nearly all that appeared; now I have very few.

From Project Gutenberg

This is especially true of two of the most important classes of diseases, namely, scrofulous affections and low fever.

From Project Gutenberg

Scrofulous diseases are the heritage of those children who are deprived of a plentiful supply of pure air and light.

From Project Gutenberg