dandruff

noun dan·druff \ ˈdan-drəf \

|Updated on: 7 Jul 2018

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

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dandruffy

play \-drə-fē\ adjective

See dandruff defined for English-language learners

See dandruff defined for kids

Examples of dandruff in a Sentence

The shampoo is supposed to help control dandruff.

Recent Examples of dandruff from the Web

One that targets dandruff will also help to reduce any dryness or flaking that lingers after the burn has healed.

— adam hurly, GQ, "This Is How to Heal a Sunburn Fast," 26 June 2018
Among them: toner, hot water salve, and for dandruff.

— kathleen hou, The Cut, "How to Get Rid of Dandruff," 6 June 2018
But a new study suggests early feathered dinos suffered from a familiar affliction: dandruff.

— jason daley, Smithsonian, "Dinosaurs Had Dandruff, Too," 30 May 2018
For a healthier scalp: Fatty fish (like salmon and trout), walnuts, and flaxseeds are packed with omega-3 fats, which can prevent dry scalp and dandruff.

— johnny miller, Allure, "The Great-Hair Diet: What to Eat for Stronger, Healthier Hair," 30 May 2018
And speaking of messes: on Tuesday, the President brushed a speck of unsightly dandruff off the shoulder of the French president, a spectacle that in any other place and time in history, would surely be met with stark incredulity.

— lynn yaeger, Vogue, "The Week in Washington: Dandruff Diplomacy and Kanye Kisses," 29 Apr. 2018
Whatever the case, dandruff was a small price to pay for one of nature’s coolest, most elaborate developments yet.

— jason daley, Smithsonian, "Dinosaurs Had Dandruff, Too," 30 May 2018
Cradle cap in babies, parlays into red, itchy patches with greasy scale or dandruff in an adult.

— mona gohara, Good Housekeeping, "7 Common Scalp Issues — And How to Treat Them," 13 Mar. 2018
Almost everyone and their mother has experienced some semblance of a scalp concern at one point or another, which can include mild irritation, itchiness, dandruff, or in more severe cases, scalp dermatitis.

— kaleigh fasanella, Allure, "18 Scalp Treatments That Work Wonders on Dryness and Irritation," 23 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dandruff.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology 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

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First Known Use: 1545

in the meaning defined above

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DANDRUFF Defined for English Language Learners

dandruff

noun

Definition of dandruff for English Language Learners

: very small white pieces of dead skin that form especially on a person's head

DANDRUFF Defined for Kids

dandruff

noun dan·druff \ ˈdan-drəf \

Definition of dandruff for Students

: thin dry whitish flakes of dead skin that form on the scalp and come off freely

Medical Dictionary

dandruff

noun dan·druff \ ˈdan-drəf \

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

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