dandruff

dan·druff

noun \ˈdan-drəf\

Definition of DANDRUFF

: scaly white or grayish flakes of dead skin cells especially of the scalp; also : the condition marked by excessive shedding of such flakes and usually accompanied by itching

— dan·druffy \-drə-fē\ adjective

Examples of DANDRUFF

1. The shampoo is supposed to help control dandruff.

Origin of DANDRUFF

probably from dand- (origin unknown) + -ruff, from Middle English rove scabby condition, from Old Norse hrūfa scab; akin to Old High German hruf scurf, Lithuanian kraupus rough

First Known Use: 1545

dan·druff

noun \ˈdan-drəf\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of DANDRUFF

: scaly white or grayish flakes of dead skin cells especially of the scalp; also : the condition marked by excessive shedding of such flakes and usually accompanied by itching

—dan·druffy \-ē\ (audio pronunciation) adjective

dandruff

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Skin disorder of the scalp, a mild form of dermatitis. It affects most people at some time, when the scalp, which normally sheds its dead outer skin cells continuously, starts to shed them intermittently, causing a scaly buildup before shedding and noticeable flakes of skin when shedding occurs. Dandruff is not contagious and often goes away spontaneously; special shampoos can control it.