Definition of kwashiorkor
:severe malnutrition in infants and children especially of impoverished regions caused by a diet low in protein
What's Trending Now
More Trending Words
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Origin and Etymology of kwashiorkor
Ga (Kwa language of coastal Ghana) kwàṣìɔkɔ́ influence a child is said to be under when a second child comes
Medical Dictionary
kwashiorkor
play
noun
kwa·shi·or·kor
\
ˌkwäsh-ē-ˈȯr-kȯr
,
-ȯ(r)-ˈkȯr
\
medical Definition of kwashiorkor
:severe malnutrition chiefly affecting young children especially of impoverished regions that is characterized by failure to grow and develop, changes in the pigmentation of the skin and hair, edema, fatty degeneration of the liver, anemia, and apathy and is caused by a diet excessively high in carbohydrate and extremely low in protein — compare pellagra
Learn More about kwashiorkor
-
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kwashiorkor
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up kwashiorkor? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!