A disease caused by severe vitamin C deficiency, characterized by bleeding gums, tooth loss, joint pain, and skin hemorrhages. It was historically common among sailors on long voyages without fresh fruits and vegetables.
From Middle Dutch 'scheurbuik' meaning 'tear-belly,' referring to the abdominal pain experienced. The term evolved through various European languages as maritime trade spread awareness of this sailor's disease.
Scurvy was essentially solved by a Scottish naval surgeon who discovered that citrus fruits prevented it, leading British sailors to be called 'limeys'! The disease can still occur today in people with extremely poor diets, particularly those consuming only processed foods.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.