scurvy
UK: ˈskɜːvi | US: ˈskɜːrvi
n. A disease caused by vitamin C deficiency, characterized by bleeding gums, weakness, and skin spots.
adj. (Archaic) Mean or contemptible; deserving scorn.
Originally describing the scaly skin of vitamin C-deficient sailors (16th c.), "scurvy" later extended metaphorically to mean "despicable" due to the disease’s association with neglect and lowliness. The Dutch root schurft (scab) underscores the visible symptoms, while the suffix -vy cemented its dual medical/moral usage.
Sailors feared scurvy during long voyages without fresh fruit.
The crew’s diet lacked citrus, leading to outbreaks of scurvy.
(Archaic) "A scurvy trick!" he muttered, disgusted by the deceit.
Modern medicine eradicated scurvy in most developed nations.
The pirate’s scurvy appearance hinted at months at sea.