rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryscurvyVitamin C deficiency disease
noun

scurvy

SKUR-vee/ˈskɜːrvi/

A disease caused by severe lack of vitamin C.

A diet with almost no vitamin C can cause scurvy.

A compact two-stage depiction of scurvy: the same woman first shows bleeding gums and extensive shin bruising beside a severely restricted preserved-food diet, then appears healthier while eating fresh citrus and peppers.
Etymology
scurvEnglishscaly or flaky skin matter
+yEnglishcovered with

Scurf plus -y originally described scaly or scabby skin. That adjective became a disease name, narrowing to the particular illness now identified with severe vitamin C deficiency.

In context

How To Drink1:21
suggested that citrus juices be administered aboard ships to prevent and cure scurvy
The Gimlet, a Cure for Scurvy | How to Drink

More examples

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables help prevent scurvy.
  • People with scurvy may have bleeding gums and feel exhausted.
  • Doctors treat scurvy with vitamin C supplements.