dandruff

noun

dan·​druff ˈdan-drəf 

: 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

ˈdan-drə-fē 

adjective

Examples of dandruff in a Sentence

The shampoo is supposed to help control dandruff.

Recent Examples on the Web

If scalp conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis—which can involve dandruff, scaling, or inflammation of the hair follicles—are the source of the problem, treating them with a shampoo that contains zinc pyrithione (like Head and Shoulders) or ketoconazole (such as Nizoral) may help with hair loss. —Stacey Colino, TIME, 12 July 2024

Ideal for use in the shower when working in your hair products, this massager not only feels amazing but also promotes hair growth and reduces dandruff. —Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 11 July 2024

With dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis is localized to the scalp. —Bebe Hodges, USA TODAY, 25 Apr. 2024

Seborrheic dermatitis, commonly known as dandruff, causes red, scaly patches on the scalp. —Cathy Cassata, Health, 22 June 2024

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

Phrases Containing dandruff

• anti-dandruff

Kids Definition

dandruff

noun

dan·​druff ˈdan-drəf 

: 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 

: 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

-ē 

adjective