Scurvy

Pronunciation: /ˈskɜrvi/

Definitions of scurvy

noun a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, characterized by swollen bleeding gums and the opening of previously healed wounds

Example Sentences

A1 Scurvy is a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C.

A2 The sailors suffered from scurvy during their long voyage at sea.

B1 Historically, scurvy was a common ailment among sailors due to poor nutrition.

B2 The doctor recommended eating more fruits and vegetables to prevent scurvy.

C1 The expedition failed due to the crew's inability to combat scurvy effectively.

C2 Modern medicine has made significant advancements in the treatment of scurvy.

Examples of scurvy in a Sentence

formal Scurvy is a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C.

informal My great-great-grandfather was a pirate who suffered from scurvy.

slang Matey, watch out for scurvy on the high seas!

figurative Neglecting to eat fruits and vegetables is like inviting scurvy into your life.

Grammatical Forms of scurvy

• past tense: scurvied
• plural: scurvies
• comparative: more scurvy
• superlative: most scurvy
• present tense: scurvies
• future tense: will scurvy
• perfect tense: have scurvied
• continuous tense: is scurvying
• singular: scurvy
• positive degree: scurvy
• infinitive: to scurvy
• gerund: scurvying
• participle: scurvied

Origin and Evolution of scurvy

First Known Use: 1565 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'scurvy' originated from the Middle English word 'scorbutus' which was derived from the Latin word 'scorbutus' or 'scorbuticus'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to refer to a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C, the word 'scurvy' has evolved to also be used as an adjective to describe something contemptible or despicable.