English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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The word is first attested in 1545; the first element is obscure, but compare Yorkshire dialect, dander (skin scurf). The second element derives from a Northumbrian or East Anglian term huff or hruff, hurf (scab), from Old Norse hrufa. Compare Dutch roof, Luxembourgish Roff. Related with Proto-Germanic *hreubaz, *hreufaz (rough, scabby), source of Old English hrēofla (leprosy, leper). More at reef (etymology 3).

Pronunciation

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Noun

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dandruff (usually uncountable, plural dandruffs)

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

Derived terms

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Translations

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Verb

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dandruff (third-person singular simple present dandruffs, present participle dandruffing, simple past and past participle dandruffed)

  1. To fall or cover with white flakes, like dandruff.
    • 2014, Kaethe Schwehn, Tailings: A Memoir, page 82:
      The toaster is broken and salt is dandruffing my wool sweater.