scorbutus

9.9

An illness from not enough vitamin C that makes gums bleed and the body weak

noun

Archaic

: escorbuto

During the long voyage, several sailors developed scorbutus due to lack of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Examples

The sailors suffered from scorbutus during long voyages.
Treating scorbutus effectively requires the administration of vitamin C-rich foods.
The physician recognized the symptoms of scorbutus among the malnourished patients.
Many historical accounts mention scorbutus as a common ailment.
During the long voyage, several sailors developed scorbutus due to lack of fresh fruits and vegetables.
The physician recognized the symptoms of scorbutus among the malnourished patients.
Treating scorbutus effectively requires the administration of vitamin C-rich foods.

Synonyms

scurvy

vsscorbutus

Specialized

8 6.2

A disease that happens when you do not have enough vitamin C

is an older term for the same disease rather than the modern name

Antonyms

health

∞ 1.0

The condition of a person's body and mind, especially being free from illness or injury

Surface Forms

scorbutus singular

scorbutuses plural

Etymology

Scorbutus comes from the old Latin name for scurvy, the disease sailors got on long sea voyages when they had no fresh fruit. So, scorbutus means the condition from a lack of 'vitamin C', and thinking of sailors without citrus makes the meaning easy to remember.