I. ˈskərvē, -kə̄v-, -kəiv-, -vi adjective
( -er/-est )
Etymology: scurf (I) + -y
1. : covered or affected with scurf : scurfy
2. : characterized by meanness and despicableness : contemptible
went to sea with his scurvy crew — C.B.Driscoll
weather played some scurvy tricks
Synonyms: see contemptible
II. noun
( -es )
: a disease characterized by spongy gums, loosening of the teeth, and a tendency to bleed into the skin and mucous membranes and caused by a dietary deficiency of ascorbic acid
suggested that the anemia of scurvy is due to iron deficiency — Therapeutic Notes