pel·lag·ra (p -l g r, -l gr, -lä)n. A disease caused by a deficiency of niacin and protein in the diet and characterized by skin eruptions, digestive and nervous system disturbances, and eventual mental deterioration. [Italian : pelle, skin (from Latin pellis; see pel-3 in Indo-European roots) + -agra, a seizure (from Latin, from Greek -agr , from agr, a seizing; see ag- in Indo-European roots).]pel·lag rous adj. |
pellagra [pəˈleɪgrə -ˈlæ-]
n
(Medicine / Pathology) Pathol a disease caused by a dietary deficiency of nicotinic acid, characterized by burning or itching often followed by scaling of the skin, inflammation of the mouth, diarrhoea, mental impairment, etc.
[via Italian from pelle skin + -agra, from Greek agra paroxysm]
pellagrous adj
| pellagra (p-lgr, -lgr) A disease caused by a lack of niacin in the diet, characterized by skin and digestive disorders and mental deterioration. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  pellagra - a disease caused by deficiency of niacin or tryptophan (or by a defect in the metabolic conversion of tryptophan to niacin); characterized by gastrointestinal disturbances and erythema and nervous or mental disorders; may be caused by malnutrition or alcoholism or other nutritional impairmentsavitaminosis, hypovitaminosis - any of several diseases caused by deficiency of one or more vitamins |
Translations
Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content.
| ?Page tools | ||
|---|---|---|
|