What Does Marasmatic Mean and Is It Correct?
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3 min read
Linguistically, the term "marasmatic" is an infrequent and often incorrect variant of the proper medical adjective "marasmic," with a dictionary definition pointing towards obtuseness rather than malnutrition. Its use in relation to the severe wasting syndrome of malnutrition, marasmus, is a common error stemming from confusion over similar-sounding words. This article clarifies the correct medical terminology, explores the origins of the words, and explains what marasmus actually is.
