zinc deficiency
- noun
- /zɪŋk dɪˈfɪʃənsi/
- Specialized
- Recent studies show that zinc deficiency is a public health problem in America.
Think about that and eight times greater level of zinc deficiency in people diagnosed with ADHD.
- Think about that and eight times greater level of zinc deficiency in people diagnosed with ADHD.
Examples
-
Think about that and eight times greater level of zinc deficiency in people diagnosed with ADHD.
-
You can read more there about the best food sources of zinc and what factors can contribute to a zinc deficiency.
Blog text (15) -
Zinc deficiency appears to be common in older women.
Blog text (1) -
For example, a chronic zinc deficiency can cause you to catch every cold and flu going around!
Blog text (15) -
A chronic zinc deficiency can cause you to catch every cold and flu going around.
-
Vertical lines on your nails may indicate a zinc deficiency.
How Much Zinc
- Specialized
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is a straightforward composition of 'zinc' (the mineral) and 'deficiency' (a lack of something), so its meaning 'a lack of sufficient zinc' is directly derivable from the constituents. This noun–noun combination follows a common, cross-linguistic pattern for naming nutrient shortages, so a B1 learner who knows both words would readily understand it.
Etymology
Zinc deficiency is a simple medical name that shows the idea: zinc is a small but important metal the body needs, and deficiency means a 'lack' of it. Imagine a machine missing a tiny bolt—without enough zinc the body does not work well, so the phrase means the health problems caused by not having enough zinc.