Definitions for scurvyˈskɜr vi
This page provides all possible meanings and translations of the word scurvy
a condition caused by deficiency of ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
abject, low, low-down, miserable, scummy, scurvy(adj)
of the most contemptible kind
"abject cowardice"; "a low stunt to pull"; "a low-down sneak"; "his miserable treatment of his family"; "You miserable skunk!"; "a scummy rabble"; "a scurvy trick"
A disease caused by insufficient intake of vitamin C leading to the formation of livid spots on the skin, spongy gums, loosening of the teeth and bleeding into the skin and from almost all mucous membranes.
Contemptible, despicable, low, disgustingly mean.
Origin: * Noun usage from the adjective scurvy#Adjective influenced by or a variant of scurfy. Took on meaning of scheurbuik, scorbut, possibly from skyrbjúgr, skyr + bjúgr whence the Icelandic skyrbjúgur. Compare German scharbock, Late Latin scorbutus.
covered or affected with scurf or scabs; scabby; scurfy; specifically, diseased with the scurvy
vile; mean; low; vulgar; contemptible
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
Origin: [Probably from the same source as scorbute, but influenced by scurf, scurfy, scurvy, adj.; cf. D. scheurbuik scurvy, G. scharbock, LL. scorbutus. Cf. Scorbute.]
Scurvy is a disease resulting from a deficiency of vitamin C, which is required for the synthesis of collagen in humans. The chemical name for vitamin C, ascorbic acid, is derived from the Latin name of scurvy, scorbutus, which also provides the adjective scorbutic. Scurvy often presents itself initially as symptoms of malaise and lethargy, followed by formation of spots on the skin, spongy gums, and bleeding from the mucous membranes. Spots are most abundant on the thighs and legs, and a person with the ailment looks pale, feels depressed, and is partially immobilized. As scurvy advances, there can be open, suppurating wounds, loss of teeth, jaundice, fever, neuropathy and death. Scurvy was at one time common among sailors, pirates and others aboard ships at sea longer than perishable fruits and vegetables could be stored and by soldiers similarly deprived of these foods for extended periods. It was described by Hippocrates, and herbal cures for scurvy have been known in many native cultures since prehistory. Scurvy was one of the limiting factors of marine travel, often killing large numbers of the passengers and crew on long-distance voyages. This became a significant issue in Europe from the beginning of the modern era in the Age of Discovery in the 15th century, continuing to play a significant role through World War I in the 20th century.
U.S. National Library of Medicine
An acquired blood vessel disorder caused by severe deficiency of vitamin C (ASCORBIC ACID) in the diet leading to defective collagen formation in small blood vessels. Scurvy is characterized by bleeding in any tissue, weakness, ANEMIA, spongy gums, and a brawny induration of the muscles of the calves and legs.
Translations for scurvy
From our Multilingual Translation Dictionary
- Scharbock, SkorbutGerman
- цинга, скорбут, подлый, низкийRussian
- podao, skorbutSerbo-Croatian
Get even more translations for scurvy »
Find a translation for the scurvy definition in other languages:
Select another language: