First Known Use: 1574
Dictionary
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
— ma·ras·mic \-ˈraz-mik\ adjective
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Origin of MARASMUS
Late Latin, from Greek marasmos, from marainein to waste away
Medical Dictionary
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)
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