dandruff

noun

dan·​druff ˈdan-drəf 

: scaly white or grayish flakes of dead skin cells especially of the scalp

also : the condition marked by excessive shedding of such flakes and usually accompanied by itching

dandruffy

ˈdan-drə-fē 

adjective

Examples of dandruff in a Sentence

The shampoo is supposed to help control dandruff.

Recent Examples on the Web

Not to be confused with dandruff, Mathieu says that a dry scalp will present itself with smaller flakes and oiliness on the skin or within the hair. —Audrey Noble, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2024

Keep in mind that a dry scalp is caused by lack of moisture, while dandruff is caused by excess oil. —Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2024

As a part of that research, Fair uncovered that 40 percent of users with dandruff don’t use products that target the concern. —James Manso, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019

Lemongrass Essential Oil Lemongrass essential oil may help with dandruff. —Kathi Valeii, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably from dand- (origin unknown) + -ruff, from Middle English rove scabby condition, from Old Norse hrūfa scab; akin to Old High German hruf scurf, Lithuanian kraupus rough

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing dandruff

• anti-dandruff

Kids Definition

dandruff

noun

dan·​druff ˈdan-drəf 

: scaly white or grayish flakes of dead skin cells especially of the scalp

also : the condition marked by the excessive shedding of such flakes

Medical Definition

dandruff

noun

dan·​druff ˈdan-drəf 

: scaly white or grayish flakes of dead skin cells especially of the scalp

also : the condition marked by excessive shedding of such flakes and usually accompanied by itching

dandruffy

-ē 

adjective