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

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

Like the brand’s conventional formula, this one contains pyrithione zinc to tackle dandruff and an irritated, dry scalp. —Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2024

Using baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, on hair is becoming an increasingly popular trend, especially among people concerned with scalp issues like dandruff, excess oil, or product buildup. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 14 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