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.