1. a form of malnutrition caused by severe protein deficiency, characterized by swelling, discoloration of skin and hair, and organ damage, occurring especially in young children in developing countries.
Usage: medical/nutritional term; typically uncountable; plural 'kwashiorkors' used when referring to multiple cases or instances

Examples

• Kwashiorkor is a serious nutritional disease that affects millions of children in sub-Saharan Africa.
• The child showed classic signs of kwashiorkor, including severe edema and hair discoloration.
• Public health programs aim to prevent kwashiorkor through improved access to protein-rich foods.
• Kwashiorkor differs from marasmus in that it occurs despite some caloric intake, but with inadequate protein.
• Treatment of kwashiorkor requires careful nutritional rehabilitation to avoid complications.