kwashiorkor

noun

kwash·​i·​or·​kor ˌkwä-shē-ˈȯr-kər  -ȯr-ˈkȯr 

: severe malnutrition in infants and children especially of impoverished regions caused by a diet low in protein

Examples of kwashiorkor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Swelling in the Legs, Feet, or Hands Swelling is a classic sign of kwashiorkor, a condition of severe protein deficiency that may occur in children living in countries with limited food resources and/or staple foods that are low in protein and high in carbohydrates. —Jonathan Purtell, Verywell Health, 13 June 2025

Children with kwashiorkor appear very thin except for significant swelling (edema) that manifests predominantly in their feet, ankles, and belly. —Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 18 Dec. 2024

Stunted growth is seen with kwashiorkor and another type of childhood malnutrition called marasmus. —Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 18 Dec. 2024

Meanwhile, Calvin’s lack of protein had swollen his abdomen and legs, a particular type of malnutrition called kwashiorkor. —Julia Michie Bruckner, Discover Magazine, 13 Nov. 2017

Word History

Etymology

Ga (Kwa language of coastal Ghana) kwàṣìɔkɔ́ influence a child is said to be under when a second child comes

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for kwashiorkor

• conquistador
• forevermore
• hereinbefore
• kinetochore
• abhor
• abor
• adore
• afore
• ardour
• ashore
• backdoor
• before

Kids Definition

kwashiorkor

noun

kwash·​i·​or·​kor ˌkwäsh-ē-ˈȯr-kər 

: a disease of young children resulting from not getting enough protein to eat

Medical Definition

kwashiorkor

noun

kwa·​shi·​or·​kor ˌkwäsh-ē-ˈȯr-kȯr  -ȯ(r)-ˈkȯr 

: 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