dandruff

== English == === Alternative forms === dandriff (archaic) === Etymology === The word is first attested in 1545; the first element is obscure, but compare dander. The second element derives from a Northumbrian or East Anglian Middle English 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 === (UK) IPA(key): /ˈdændɹʌf/, /ˈdændɹʊf/ (General American, Canada) IPA(key): /ˈdændɹəf/, [ˈdɛəndɹəf] (General Australian) IPA(key): /ˈdændɹʌf/, /ˈdændɹəf/ === Noun === dandruff (usually uncountable, plural dandruffs) scaly white dead skin flakes from the human scalp; Pityriasis capitis ==== Synonyms ==== ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === Verb === dandruff (third-person singular simple present dandruffs, present participle dandruffing, simple past and past participle dandruffed) To fall or cover with white flakes, like dandruff.