marasmus

noun

ma·ras·mus | \ mə-ˈraz-məs

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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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

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'marasmus.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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23 Apr 2019

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The first known use of marasmus was in 1574

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marasmus

noun

ma·ras·mus | \ mə-ˈraz-məs

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)