dandruff

[dan-druh f] /ˈdæn drəf/
noun
1.
a seborrheic scurf that forms on the scalp and comes off in small scales.
Also, dandriff
[dan-drif] /ˈdæn drɪf/ (Show IPA).
Origin
1535-45; origin uncertain
Related forms
dandruffy, dandriffy, adjective
Examples from the web for dandruff
  • But there's a certain magic in all of that lint and dandruff and morning breath.
  • When head scratching is involved, a dandruff shampoo may aid healing.
  • As it is, a tinkling dandruff of change scuttles behind the banquettes.
  • Li brushed the dandruff from his shoulders and hugged him with his hands.
  • If it happens on your scalp, it is called dandruff in adults and cradle cap in infants.
  • Their long hair was straight and greasy, or multicolored, spiked or in dandruff-flecked dreadlocks.
  • When he comes with the pepper mill, refuse the pepper, but tell him to sprinkle some dandruff on your food.
  • Sometimes they may be mistaken for dandruff or hair spray droplets.
British Dictionary definitions for dandruff

dandruff

/ˈdændrəf/
noun
1.
loose scales of dry dead skin shed from the scalp Also called (now rarely) dandriff
Derived Forms
dandruffy, adjective
Word Origin
C16: dand-, of unknown origin + -ruff, probably from Middle English roufe scab, from Old Norse hrūfa
Word Origin and History for dandruff
n.

1540s, first element obscure, second element is Northumbrian or East Anglian dialectal huff, hurf "scab," from Old Norse hrufa, from Proto-Germanic *hreufaz, source of Old English hreofla "leper."

dandruff in Medicine

dandruff dan·druff (dān'drəf)
n.
A scaly scurf formed on and shed from the scalp.