marasmus

[ muh-raz-muh s ]
/ məˈræz məs /

noun Pathology.

malnutrition occurring in infants and young children, caused by insufficient intake of calories or protein and characterized by thinness, dry skin, poor muscle development, and irritability.

Origin of marasmus

1650–60; < New Latin < Greek marasmós a wasting away, akin to maraínein to weaken, waste away

OTHER WORDS FROM marasmus

ma·ras·mic, adjective ma·ras·moid, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for marasmus

British Dictionary definitions for marasmus

marasmus
/ (məˈræzməs) /

noun

pathol general emaciation and wasting, esp of infants, thought to be associated with severe malnutrition or impaired utilization of nutrients

Derived forms of marasmus

marasmic, adjective

Word Origin for marasmus

C17: from New Latin, from Greek marasmos, from marainein to waste

Medical definitions for marasmus

marasmus
[ mə-răzməs ]

n.

Chronic wasting of body tissues, especially in young children, commonly due to prolonged dietary deficiency of protein and calories. athrepsia

Other words from marasmus

ma•rasmic adj.