Scabby describes something covered with scabs, the crusty patches that form over cuts and scrapes as they heal. When you fall off your bike and scrape your knee, a scab forms as your body's natural bandage. If you keep falling or picking at healing wounds, your knees might look scabby, covered with multiple crusty spots at different stages of healing.

The word often describes someone's rough appearance after an injury. A scabby elbow tells the story of a recent tumble. Baseball players sliding into bases might end up with scabby knees by the end of the season.

Your body forms scabs automatically, mixing blood cells and special proteins to create a protective covering while new skin grows underneath. The scab might itch terribly as it heals. Though scabby wounds look unpleasant, they're actually signs of your body doing exactly what it should: repairing itself. The scab will eventually fall off on its own, revealing the healed skin beneath. Try not to pick at it, since that can slow healing and leave a scar.