marasmus

noun
ma·​ras·​mus | \ mə-ˈraz-məs How to pronounce marasmus (audio) \

Definition of marasmus

: a condition of chronic undernourishment occurring especially in children and usually caused by a diet deficient in calories and proteins

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Other Words from marasmus

marasmic \ mə-​ˈraz-​mik How to pronounce marasmic (audio) \ adjective

Examples of marasmus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Funeral home records show Edith died from marasmus, or severe undernourishment. Matthias Gafni, The Mercury News, "Mystery solved! 19th-century girl in casket found under San Francisco house identified," 9 May 2017

First Known Use of marasmus

1574, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for marasmus

Late Latin, from Greek marasmos, from marainein to waste away

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More Definitions for marasmus

marasmus

noun
ma·​ras·​mus | \ mə-ˈraz-məs How to pronounce marasmus (audio) \

Medical Definition of marasmus

: severe malnutrition affecting infants and children especially of impoverished regions that is characterized by poor growth, loss of subcutaneous fat, muscle atrophy, apathy, and pronounced weight loss and is usually caused by a diet deficient in calories and proteins but sometimes by disease (as dysentery or giardiasis)