Find over 25,000 psychological definitions


marasmus

n. a condition (from Greek marasmos, “consumption”), usually occurring in infancy, that is characterized by apathy, withdrawal, and emaciation resulting from severe malnutrition. If left untreated, it can result in delayed physical and cognitive development and, in some cases, death. Marasmus tends to occur mostly in developing countries, often as a result of famine, premature or abrupt weaning, or vitamin insufficiency due to limitations in food variety. It can, however, occur in developed nations as well—for example, in children living in poor rural and urban areas, children with chronic disease, and children who are institutionalized. See also kwashiorkor.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

November 18th 2024

tendon reflex

tendon reflex

the automatic contraction of a muscle elicited by stretching a tendon. Such reflexes are mediated by tendon stretch detectors, called Golgi tendon organs. An example of a tendon reflex is the patellar reflex, elicited by tapping or stretching the patellar tendon just below the kneecap. Also called deep reflex.