Word: Kwashiorkor
Definition:
Kwashiorkor is a noun that describes a serious condition of malnutrition, especially in children. It occurs when there is not enough protein in their diet, even if they are eating a lot of carbohydrates (like rice or bread). This lack of protein can lead to swelling in the body, changes in skin and hair, and other health problems.
Usage Instructions:
You can use "kwashiorkor" when talking about health issues related to poor nutrition, particularly in children. It is often discussed in medical, nutritional, or humanitarian contexts.
Example Sentence:
"The child was diagnosed with kwashiorkor after being found to have a diet that lacked sufficient protein."
Advanced Usage:
In medical discussions, you might encounter "kwashiorkor" as part of broader topics about malnutrition or dietary deficiencies. It can be used in research papers or health reports to describe specific cases or study findings related to childhood nutrition.
Word Variants:
- There are no direct variants of "kwashiorkor," but related terms include "malnutrition" (the general condition of getting too little or too much nutrition) and "protein deficiency" (not getting enough protein).
Different Meaning:
"Kwashiorkor" does not have different meanings; it specifically refers to the malnutrition condition described above.
Synonyms:
While there are no direct synonyms for "kwashiorkor," you can refer to it more generally as "severe malnutrition" or "protein-energy malnutrition."
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include "kwashiorkor." However, you might encounter phrases related to nutrition, such as "to fill up on" (which means to eat a lot of something) or "to run low on" (which means to have very little of something, like nutrients).
Summary:
In summary, "kwashiorkor" is an important term to know in discussions about child health and nutrition.