Main Entry: sca·brous

Pronunciation: \ˈska-brəs also ˈskā-\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Latin scabr-, scaber rough, scurfy; akin to Latin scabere to scratch — more at scab

Date: 1646

1 : difficult, knotty <a scabrous problem>
2 : rough to the touch: as a : having small raised dots, scales, or points <a scabrous leaf> b : covered with raised, roughened, or unwholesome patches <scabrous paint> <scabrous skin>
3 : dealing with suggestive, indecent, or scandalous themes : salacious; also : squalid

synonyms see rough

— sca·brous·ly adverb

— sca·brous·ness noun