dandruff

/ˈdændɹʌf/

dandruff means scaly white dead skin flakes from the human scalp; Pityriasis capitis. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 78 out of 100.

dandruff is pronounced /ˈdændɹʌf/.

Etymology

The word is first attested in 1545; the first element is obscure, but compare dander. The second element derives from a Northumbrian or East Anglian Middle English hurf (“scab”), from Old Norse hrufa. Compare Dutch roof, Luxembourgish Roff. Related with Proto-Germanic *hreubaz, *hreufaz (“rough, scabby”), source of Old English hrēofla (“leprosy, leper”). More at reef (etymology 3).

noun

scaly white dead skin flakes from the human scalp; Pityriasis capitis“Dandruff is on my collar again.”

verb

To fall or cover with white flakes, like dandruff.“The toaster is broken and salt is dandruffing my wool sweater.”