dandruff
noun
- A skin condition mainly affecting the scalp causing flaking and itchiness
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈdændɹʌf/ / /ˈdændɹʊf/ / /ˈdændɹəf/
noun
Etymology: The word is first attested in 1545; the first element is obscure, but compare dander. The second element derives from a Northumbrian or East Anglian Middle English hurf (“scab”), from Old Norse hrufa. Compare Dutch roof, Luxembourgish Roff. Related with Proto-Germanic *hreubaz, *hreufaz (“rough, scabby”), source of Old English hrēofla (“leprosy, leper”). More at reef (etymology 3).
- scaly white dead skin flakes from the human scalp; Pityriasis capitis
“Dandruff is on my collar again.”
verb
Etymology: The word is first attested in 1545; the first element is obscure, but compare dander. The second element derives from a Northumbrian or East Anglian Middle English hurf (“scab”), from Old Norse hrufa. Compare Dutch roof, Luxembourgish Roff. Related with Proto-Germanic *hreubaz, *hreufaz (“rough, scabby”), source of Old English hrēofla (“leprosy, leper”). More at reef (etymology 3).
- To fall or cover with white flakes, like dandruff.
“The toaster is broken and salt is dandruffing my wool sweater.”