Dandruff

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈdændɹʌf/, /ˈdændɹʊf/

Alternative forms

• dandriff rare

Origin

The word is first attested in 1545; the first element is obscure, the second element derives from a Northumbrian or East Anglian term huff, hurf ("scab"), from Old Norse hrufa, from Proto-Germanic *hreubaz, *hreufaz ("rough, scabby"), source of Old English hrēofla ("leprosy, leper"). More at reef.

Full definition of dandruff

Noun

1. Scaly white dead skin flakes from the human scalp; Pityriasis capitis.Dandruff is on my collar again.

Derived terms

• dander