Definition of scurvy Scurvy

We found 10 definitions of scurvy from 7 different sources.

What does scurvy mean?

Noun Plural: scurvies
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

= synonym
= antonym
= related word

scurvy (Noun)
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.
scurvy (Adjective)
Contemptible, despicable, low, disgustingly mean.

scurvy (n.)
Covered or affected with scurf or scabs; scabby; scurfy; specifically, diseased with the scurvy.
scurvy (n.)
Vile; mean; low; vulgar; contemptible.
scurvy (n.)
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.

scurvy
A disease resulting from a deficiency of vitamin C, which is required for the synthesis of collagen in humans.

scurvy
skur′vi, adj. scurfy: affected with scurvy: scorbutic: shabby: vile, vulgar, contemptible.—n. a disease marked by livid spots on the skin and general debility, due to an improper dietary, and particularly an insufficient supply of fresh vegetable food.—adv. Scur′vily, in a scurvy manner: meanly, basely.—ns. Scur′viness, state of being scurvy: meanness; Scur′vy-grass, a genus of cruciferous plants, efficacious in curing scurvy. [Scurf.]

Scurvy is a disease. It is caused by not eating enough Vitamin C.

People who have scurvy get spots on their skin, especially the legs. Their teeth may become loose and fall out. They may bleed from the mouth, nose, and gums (mucous membranes). A person with scurvy will look pale. They will feel sad (see depression). They will not be able to move easily, because their joints hurt.

Historically, sailors used to get scurvy because fresh fruit could not be kept for as long as they were at sea. Today it is uncommon in the wealthy countries.

Vitamin C administered by mouth or by needle (injection, also known as a shot). The injection almost always cures scurvy in babies.

Drinking orange juice is another treatment and works in babies. Before Vitamin C was discovered this was the only treatment.

When a person gets help for scurvy, they usually get better very quickly. Babies start eating again after one or two days of help. The symptoms get better within seven days.