dandruff

noun

dan·​druff ˈdan-drəf How to pronounce dandruff (audio)
: 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
dandruffy adjective

Examples of dandruff in a Sentence

The shampoo is supposed to help control dandruff.
Recent Examples on the Web Lemongrass Essential Oil Lemongrass essential oil may help with dandruff. Kathi Valeii, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2024 This is a simple, daily solution for those with dandruff. Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, 21 Oct. 2024 Its formula's main ingredient is zinc pyrithione, an anti-grease superhero that reduces fungus-attracting oils to fight dandruff. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 10 Oct. 2024 This build-up provides an ideal breeding ground for microorganisms, such as the aforementioned Malassezia yeast, which doesn’t only promote dandruff, but also by-products that can irritate the scalp and cause itching. Philipp Wehsack, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dandruff 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dandruff.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dandruff was in 1545

Dictionary Entries Near dandruff

Cite this Entry

“Dandruff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dandruff. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

dandruff

noun
dan·​druff ˈdan-drəf How to pronounce dandruff (audio)
: scaly white or grayish flakes of dead skin cells especially of the scalp
also : the condition marked by the excessive shedding of such flakes

Medical Definition

dandruff

noun
dan·​druff ˈdan-drəf How to pronounce dandruff (audio)
: 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
dandruffy adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on dandruff

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