SCURVY Meaning and
Definition
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Scurvy is a noun that refers to a medical condition caused by a deficiency in vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, in the diet. It is characterized by weakness, fatigue, swollen and bleeding gums, joint pain, poor wound healing, and frequent infections. Historically, scurvy was a common health issue among sailors and explorers during long sea voyages where fresh fruits and vegetables were scarce and the main diet consisted of preserved foods.
The symptoms of scurvy are a result of the body's inadequate ability to produce collagen, a protein necessary for the formation of connective tissues, healing wounds, and maintaining healthy blood vessels. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in the synthesis of collagen, and its deficiency leads to the degradation of these essential components, leading to the aforementioned symptoms.
In modern times, scurvy is rare in developed countries due to the abundance of vitamin C-rich foods available year-round. However, it can still occur in populations with poor nutrition or restricted access to fresh fruits and vegetables. The treatment and prevention of scurvy involve consuming foods high in vitamin C or taking supplements to restore adequate levels of this nutrient in the body.
Overall, scurvy is a nutritional deficiency disease that leads to various symptoms due to the lack of vitamin C, and it is preventable and treatable through a well-balanced diet.
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A disease marked by inanition, debility, anemia, edema of the dependent parts, a spongy condition, sometimes with ulceration, of the gums, and hemorrhages into the skin and from the mucous membranes; the etiology of the disease is not definitely established, but it is believed to be due to a monotonous diet of salt meats or an absence of fresh vegetables or vegetable or fruit acids, or not improbably to ptomaines developed in the preserved food.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• A disease characterised by livid spots of various sizes on the skin, and by a general debility, caused by confinement, want of fresh food and vegetables, and of exercise, chiefly affecting sailors on long voyages-formerly very fatal, but now generally prevented or cured by the free use of lime-juice and similar substances.
• Scabby; thin, shabby, or mean.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for SCURVY *
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Other Common Misspellings for SCURVY
Etymology of SCURVY
The word "scurvy" derives from the Middle English term "scorbutus", which in turn comes from the Late Latin "scorbutus". The Latin word was borrowed from the earlier Greek word "skorbutos". The Greek term is believed to originate from the ancient Greek word "skorbutos", which means "swollen gums" or "spongy gums". The Greek word "skorbutos" might have its roots in the Proto-Indo-European language, but the exact etymology beyond Greek is uncertain. The term "scurvy" has been used to refer to the nutritional deficiency disease characterized by vitamin C deficiency since the late 16th century.
Similar spelling words for SCURVY
- scrivened,
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- scrubber,
- scrabbly,
- scurvily,
- scrivener,
- scriver,
- scraps,
- schryver,
- scrubby,
- Scrivner,
- scrivens,
- scrub,
- scrap,
- scribe,
- scrappy,
- scarpa,
- scarp,
- script,
- schriver.
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