adj.
Pronunciation: ' ska-br ə s also ' sk ā -
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin scabr-, scaber rough, scurfy; akin to Latin scabere to scratch ― more at SCAB
Date: 1646
1 : DIFFICULT , KNOTTY <a scabrous problem>
2 : rough to the touch: as a : having small raised dots, scales, or points <a scabrous leaf> b : covered with raised, roughened, or unwholesome patches < scabrous paint> < scabrous skin>
3 : dealing with suggestive, indecent, or scandalous themes : SALACIOUS also : SQUALID
synonyms see ROUGH
– sca · brous · ly adverb
– sca · brous · ness noun