scabrous
UK[ˈskeɪbrəs]US[ˈskeɪbrəs]
adj
having a rough surface because of small points, lumps, etc.
adj
indecent or shocking; dealing with sex in a rude way.
Morpheme Breakdown
scabr
ous
scabr
rough
ous
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word scabrous originates from the latin adjective 'scaber', meaning rough or scurfy, which itself is derived from the proto-indo-european root (s)kep-, meaning to cut or scrape. the latin term entered english in the late 16th century via the french 'scabreux'. the literal sense of 'rough to the touch' evolved from the physical description of skin conditions like scabies. this concrete meaning provided a metaphorical bridge to the abstract sense of 'indecent' or 'risqué', implying subject matter that is figuratively rough or grating to one's sensibilities.
Analysis
Structure: scabr (rough) + ous (adjective suffix)
scabr is from latin 'scaber' meaning rough, scaly. ous is a suffix of latin origin forming adjectives meaning 'full of' or 'having the qualities of'.
Examples
the scabrous bark of the tree provided a foothold for the climbing ivy.
the novel was criticized for its scabrous humor and explicit content.
he sanded down the scabrous surface of the old wooden table until it was smooth.