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

Explanation

If you are a pirate who doesn't get to shore very often to shop for fresh fruits and veggies, you might suffer from scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency. Scurvy has some alarming symptoms: your gums become soft and tender and your teeth fall out. Scurvy has become a rarity in most parts of the world, but in regions where food is scarce and malnutrition common, it's still a problem. The unpleasant associations of the word also make it a colorful (and archaic) way to describe something low-down and miserable, as in "that was a scurvy trick you played on me, you dastardly cur!"

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 • Dec. 4, 2025

Early white settlers, according to the Oregon Encyclopedia, would eat cranberries as a source of vitamin C to prevent scurvy, “and the berry’s naturally waxy coating allowed for long keeping.”

From Seattle Times • Nov. 18, 2023

Researchers rushed to isolate other micronutrients associated with diseases like rickets, scurvy, goiters, and more.

From National Geographic • Nov. 9, 2023

"I risk scurvy as well - I haven't eaten anything but croissants and kebabs for five weeks. So I'm desperate for some vegetables!"

From BBC • Oct. 10, 2023

More than once, the scurvy swab made a panic-stricken dive over the side, preferring to swim ashore, where he would cope ultimately with Dad, instead of meeting the captain on the latter’s own quarterdeck.

From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey

Related Words

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