scurvy
8
6.2
- noun
- /ˈskɜrvi/
- Specialized
:
escorbuto
- Although unknown at the time, scurvy was a result of a deficiency of vitamin C.
- died of scurvy
I see a guy in the bow of a ship with scurvy.
- I see a guy in the bow of a ship with scurvy.
- Indeed, they are a good source of vitamin C and were once used by sailors to treat and prevent scurvy.
Examples
-
In the 18th century, scurvy debilitated and killed thousands of seamen.
-
Oates is suffering from scurvy, which was still the scourge of polar explorers at the start of the last century.
Fiction book (1998) -
Only six down with scurvy.
-
The last of it, during her brief struggle with scurvy.
-
The story of vitamin C and scurvy is often used to suggest Native American knowledge of food and medicine.
Academic text (2004) -
Scurvy's killed the whole crew.
-
The symptoms of scurvy thus include bleeding, wound breakdown, loosening teeth and broken bones.
-
Mr. Stevens has become sick with scurvy, a disease common to miners who didn't have fresh fruits and vegetables.
Fiction book (1998) -
The symptoms of scurvy thus include bleeding, wound breakdown, loosening teeth and broken bones.
-
Cook was meticulous with his crew, keeping them on a rigid diet to hold scurvy at bay.
Synonyms
An illness from not enough vitamin C that makes gums bleed and the body weak
Compounds
A small plant with edible leaves high in vitamin C that sailors used to prevent scurvy
- Specialized
A disease from lack of some nutrients causing skin redness, stomach pain, and memory or mood problems
Surface Forms
Etymology
Scurvy comes from an old Latin word scorbutus for the same illness, which caused bleeding gums, weakness, and sore skin in sailors who had no fresh fruit. So, scurvy today still means that disease caused by a lack of vitamin C.