dandruff

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

The word is first attested in 1545; the first element is obscure, the second element derives from a Northumbrian or East Anglian term huff or hruff, hurf (“scab”), from Old Norse hrufa, from Proto-Germanic *hreubaz, *hreufaz (“rough, scabby”), source of Old English hrēofla (“leprosy, leper”). More at reef (etymology 2).

Pronunciation
  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈdændɹʌf/, /ˈdændɹʊf/

Noun

dandruff (uncountable)

  1. Scaly white dead skin flakes from the human scalp; Pityriasis capitis.
    Dandruff is on my collar again.

Derived terms

Translations
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