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

Clinically proven to reduce dandruff by 24% and scalp oil by 50% in one month, this waterproof device features silicone bristles that massage the scalp in the shower, effectively eliminating oil and dead skin buildup. —Angela Lei, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025

Medicated shampoos for dandruff include active ingredients such as: Ciclopirox Coal tar Ketoconazole Salicylic acid5 Selenium sulfide Sulfur6 Zinc pyrithione Scalp psoriasis, an autoimmune skin condition, may also require the use of medicated shampoos. —Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 4 Jan. 2025

In fact, dandruff is often caused by excess oil and yeast overgrowth on the scalp, not a lack of moisture. —Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 17 Dec. 2024

Going too long between shampoos can encourage dandruff, which manifests as fine white flakes, said trichologist Anabel Kingsley. —Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, 5 Dec. 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