1
: thin dry scales detached from the epidermis especially in an abnormal skin condition
specifically
: dandruff
2
a
: something like flakes or scales adhering to a surface
b
: the foul remains of something adherent
3
a
: a scaly deposit or covering on some plant parts
also
: a localized or general darkening and roughening of a plant surface usually more pronounced than russeting
b
: a plant disease characterized by scurf
Examples of scurf in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Don't confuse this disease with less-serious scurf, which creates small, round and dark spots on tuber surfaces without affecting eating quality.
—
Mariah Thomas, Good Housekeeping, 29 Mar. 2023
Occasionally, people can have an infestation of a tiny parasitic mite called Demodex louse on their eyelashes, which can leave a flaky substance called scurf and cause serious inflammation, Diaz said.
—Sudiksha Kochi, USA TODAY, 14 Sep. 2021
Don't confuse this disease with less-serious scurf, which creates small, round, dark spots on tuber surfaces but doesn't affect eating quality.
—The Editors, Good Housekeeping, 21 May 2020
There is some empirical proof that a big mess can be the sign of a creative mind, and that a swirl of scurf and funk can give birth to history-changing ideas.
—Penelope Green, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2020
Don't confuse this disease with less-serious scurf, which creates small, round, dark spots on tuber surfaces but doesn't affect eating quality. Stem rot, or wilt, is a fungus that enters plants injured by insects, careless cultivation, or wind.
—The Editors Of Organic Life, Good Housekeeping, 15 Mar. 2017
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Mariah Thomas, Good Housekeeping, 29 Mar. 2023
Occasionally, people can have an infestation of a tiny parasitic mite called Demodex louse on their eyelashes, which can leave a flaky substance called scurf and cause serious inflammation, Diaz said.
—Sudiksha Kochi, USA TODAY, 14 Sep. 2021
Don't confuse this disease with less-serious scurf, which creates small, round, dark spots on tuber surfaces but doesn't affect eating quality.
—The Editors, Good Housekeeping, 21 May 2020
There is some empirical proof that a big mess can be the sign of a creative mind, and that a swirl of scurf and funk can give birth to history-changing ideas.
—Penelope Green, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2020
Don't confuse this disease with less-serious scurf, which creates small, round, dark spots on tuber surfaces but doesn't affect eating quality. Stem rot, or wilt, is a fungus that enters plants injured by insects, careless cultivation, or wind.
—The Editors Of Organic Life, Good Housekeeping, 15 Mar. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Scurf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scurf. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.
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