Scurvy: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
scurvy
[ หskษr.vi ]
disease condition
Scurvy is a disease resulting from a deficiency of vitamin C, which is essential for the synthesis of collagen in humans. It is characterized by symptoms such as weakness, anemia, gum disease, and skin problems. Scurvy has a long history, primarily affecting sailors and people with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Modern treatment involves increasing vitamin C intake, either through diet or supplements. In the past, scurvy was a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among sailors on long voyages.
Synonyms
malnutrition, vitamin C deficiency.
Examples of usage
- Sailors in the 18th century suffered from scurvy due to lack of fresh produce.
- Signs of scurvy include swollen gums and joint pain.
- Vitamin C has been shown to prevent the onset of scurvy.
- Scurvy was a common affliction during long sea voyages.
Translations
Translations of the word "scurvy" in other languages:
๐ต๐น escorbuto
๐ฎ๐ณ เคธเฅเคเคฐเฅเคตเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Skorbut
๐ฎ๐ฉ skurvi
๐บ๐ฆ ัะธะฝะณะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ szkorbut
๐ฏ๐ต ๅฃ่ก็
๐ซ๐ท scorbut
๐ช๐ธ escorbuto
๐น๐ท cankurtaran
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ดดํ๋ณ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงูุงุณูุฑุจูุท
๐จ๐ฟ skorbut
๐ธ๐ฐ skorbut
๐จ๐ณ ๅ่ก็
๐ธ๐ฎ skorbut
๐ฎ๐ธ skorbรบtur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะธะฝะณะฐ
๐ฌ๐ช แกแแฃแ แแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ skorbรผt
๐ฒ๐ฝ escorbuto
Etymology
The term 'scurvy' comes from the Middle English word 'scurvie,' which is derived from the Latin 'scorbutus.' It has roots in the ancient Greek word 'skorbutus,' which is also associated with a vitamin deficiency. Scurvy was first described in ancient texts, but it became widely recognized in maritime history when sailors began to suffer from it during long sea voyages, owing to the scarcity of fresh fruits. In essence, scurvy reflects the consequences of inadequate nutrition, particularly the absence of vitamin C. Its prevention and treatment have evolved over the centuries, particularly with the recognition of citrus fruits and their role in preventing the disease.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #19,232, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
- ...
- 19229 nomads
- 19230 cheery
- 19231 chants
- 19232 scurvy
- 19233 consumptive
- 19234 retroactively
- 19235 tardy
- ...