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psilosis

psilosis

9.9
A long-lasting illness that makes the body not take in food, causing smelly diarrhea and weight loss
  • noun
  • /ˌsaɪˈloʊsɪs/
  • Archaic
translation icon : psilosis
  • The patient was diagnosed with psilosis after months of unexplained weight loss and severe diarrhea.

Examples

  • In children, early recognition of psilosis can prevent serious complications related to malnutrition.

  • Doctors in both tropical and non-tropical regions report cases of psilosis among adults and children.

  • Patients with psilosis often experience severe weight loss.

  • The symptoms of psilosis can be quite debilitating.

  • Doctors in both tropical and non-tropical regions report cases of psilosis among adults and children.

  • In children, early recognition of psilosis can prevent serious complications related to malnutrition.

  • The patient was diagnosed with psilosis after months of unexplained weight loss and severe diarrhea.

Synonyms

sprue
vspsilosis
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A long illness of the small intestine that stops it absorbing food properly, causing diarrhea and weight loss

is the identical condition affecting nutrient absorption in both tropical and non tropical areas
enteropathy
vspsilosis
  • Specialized
9.4

A disease of the intestines that makes them not work well

is the specific chronic malabsorption causing foul smelling diarrhea and emaciation

Surface Forms

psilosis singular
psiloses plural

Morphology

psilosis = psilo + osis

Built from the medical combining form 'psilo-' + the disease suffix '-osis'; both elements are specialized and not productive/recognisable to an average B1 learner, so the meaning cannot be reliably derived.

Etymology

Psilosis comes from the Greek root psilos meaning 'bare' or 'smooth'. A helpful way to remember the medical sense with severe diarrhea and weight loss is to imagine the body becoming 'bare' and very thin because it loses so much weight and nutrients.