scurvy

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scur·vy

(skûr′vē)

A disease caused by deficiency of vitamin C, characterized by spongy and bleeding gums, bleeding under the skin, and extreme weakness.

adj. scur·vi·er, scur·vi·est

Mean; contemptible.

[From Middle English scurfy, characterized by scurf (influenced by French scorbut, scurvy), from scurf, scurf; see scurf.]

scur′vi·ly adv.

scur′vi·ness n.

scurvy

(ˈskɜːvɪ)

(Pathology) 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.

adj, -vier or -viest

mean or despicable: a scurvy knave.

[C16: see scurf]

ˈscurvily adv

ˈscurviness n

scur•vy

(ˈskɜr vi)

n., adj. -vi•er, -vi•est. n.

1. a disease marked by swollen and bleeding gums, livid spots on the skin, and prostration and caused by a lack of vitamin C.

adj.

2. contemptible; despicable.

[1555–65; scurf + -y¹]

scur′vi•ly, adv.

scur′vi•ness, n.

scur·vy

(skûr′vē)

A disease caused by lack of vitamin C in the diet. It is characterized by bleeding of the gums, rupture of capillaries under the skin, loose teeth, and weakness of the body.

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Noun	1.	scurvy - a condition caused by deficiency of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) scorbutus avitaminosis, hypovitaminosis - any of several diseases caused by deficiency of one or more vitamins
Adj.	1.	scurvy - 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" abject, low-down, scummy, miserable, low contemptible - deserving of contempt or scorn