sprue

/spru:/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition

Noun 1. A chronic malabsorption disorder: A medical condition characterized by the inability of the small intestine to properly absorb nutrients from food. It exists in tropical and non-tropical forms and affects both children and adults. Primary symptoms include chronic foul-smelling diarrhea, weight loss, and emaciation. 2. (Technical/Manufacturing) A channel or passage: In metal casting, the channel through which molten metal is poured into a mold. It can also refer to the waste material of metal that solidifies in this channel.

Usage Examples
  • Medical Context:
    • The patient was diagnosed with sprue after suffering from persistent diarrhea and weight loss.
    • Celiac disease is a common form of non-tropical sprue triggered by gluten.
  • Technical/Manufacturing Context:
    • The molten metal flows from the pouring cup down the sprue and into the mold cavity.
    • After casting, the sprue and other excess material are cut off from the finished part.
Advanced Usage
  • "Tropical sprue": A specific form of the disease, endemic to tropical regions, whose exact cause is not always clear but may be related to bacterial overgrowth or infection.
    • Expatriates living in the region for extended periods sometimes develop tropical sprue.
  • "Non-tropical sprue": Often used synonymously with celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder where ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine.
    • A gluten-free diet is the primary treatment for non-tropical sprue.
Variants and Related Words
  • Celiac disease (n): The most common cause of non-tropical sprue.
  • Malabsorption (n): The impaired absorption of nutrients, which is the central problem in sprue.
  • Runner (n): In manufacturing, a similar channel system in injection molding for plastics.
Synonyms
  • (Medical): Celiac disease (for non-tropical form), malabsorption syndrome.
  • (Technical): Pouring gate, runner (in specific contexts).
Notes on Different Meanings

The word sprue has two entirely distinct meanings that belong to different specialized fields (medicine and manufacturing). The context of the sentence is crucial for determining which meaning is intended. There is no conceptual overlap between the chronic intestinal illness and the casting channel.

Noun
  1. a chronic disorder that occurs in tropical and non-tropical forms and in both children and adults; nutrients are not absorbed; symptoms include foul-smelling diarrhea and emaciation

Từ đồng nghĩa

Từ gần giống

Từ chứa "sprue"

Từ có nhắc đến "sprue"