'scurvy-causing' is a compound of 'scurvy' and the present participle 'causing' (from 'cause'). 'scurvy' originates from Middle English, specifically the Medieval English word 'scorvye' (from Old French 'escorbut', ultimately from Latin 'scorbutus'). 'cause' originates from Old French 'cause', specifically from Latin 'causa' meaning 'reason' or 'cause'.

'scurvy' changed from Medieval English 'scorvye' (influenced by Old French 'escorbut') and ultimately comes from Latin 'scorbutus'. 'cause' came into English via Old French 'cause' from Latin 'causa'; combining them as a descriptive compound (noun + present participle) produced the modern English compound 'scurvy-causing'.

Initially, 'scurvy' referred to the disease itself and 'cause' meant 'to bring about' or 'reason'; over time their combination has been used straightforwardly to describe something that brings about scurvy ('causes scurvy').