scurf

Etymology 1

From Middle English [Term?], from Old English sceorf, from Proto-Germanic *skurf- (“to gnaw”), from Proto-Indo-European *(s)ker- (“to cut”). Cognate with Dutch schurft, German Schorf, Danish skurv, Swedish skorv.

noun

1. A skin disease.
2. The flakes of skin that fall off as a result of a skin disease.
3. Any crust-like formations on the skin, or in general.
4. (figurative) The foul remains of anything adherent.
5. (botany) Minute membranous scales on the surface of some leaves, as in the goosefoot.
6. (obsolete, slang) A low, mean person.

Etymology 2

noun

1. A grey bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus).