How Do You Spell PELLAGROUS?

Pronunciation: [pˈɛlaɡɹəs] (IPA)

Pellagrous is a word that refers to a condition known as pellagra, which is caused by a lack of niacin. The correct pronunciation of this word is /pɛˈlæɡrəs/. The spelling of this word follows a phonetic pattern in which each letter represents a specific sound. The "p" represents the initial /p/ sound, the "e" represents the /ɛ/ vowel sound, the double "l" represents the /l/ consonant sound, the "a" represents the /æ/ vowel sound, the "g" represents the /ɡ/ consonant sound, the "r" represents the /r/ consonant sound, and the "o" and "u" represents the /əs/ ending sound.

PELLAGROUS Meaning and Definition

1. Pellagrous, an adjective derived from the word "pellagra," refers to the condition, symptoms, or characteristics associated with pellagra. Pellagra is a nutritional deficiency disease caused by insufficient intake or absorption of niacin (vitamin B3) and tryptophan, an amino acid essential for the production of niacin in the body.

   The term pellagrous encompasses the range of symptoms and manifestations that occur due to pellagra. These can include dermatitis, characterized by skin lesions or rashes, particularly on sun-exposed areas; gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain; and neurological symptoms like depression, irritability, confusion, and memory problems. The condition primarily affects populations with a diet predominantly based on corn or maize, as niacin is less bioavailable in these food sources. Pellagrous individuals may also exhibit photosensitivity, meaning they are more prone to sunburn or skin reactions when exposed to sunlight.

   In addition, the adjective pellagrous can be used to describe the factors or circumstances that contribute to a person becoming pellagra-affected. These may include inadequate dietary intake of niacin-rich foods, malabsorption issues, alcoholism, certain medications interfering with niacin metabolism, or conditions that increase the demand for niacin metabolically.

   Overall, pellagrous refers to anything related to or resulting from pellagra, encompassing the various physical, gastrointestinal, and neurological symptoms associated with the disease.

2. Relating to or suffering from pellagra.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PELLAGROUS

• pellag5ous
• pellag4ous
• Pellagzous
• Pellagsous

Etymology of PELLAGROUS

The word "pellagrous" is derived from the term "pellagra", which originates from the Italian phrase "pelle agra", meaning "rough skin". Pellagra is a nutritional deficiency disease caused by a lack of niacin (vitamin B3) and tryptophan in the diet. The skin abnormalities, including rough and scaly skin, are a prominent symptom of pellagra. Therefore, "pellagrous" is an adjective used to describe something related to or characteristic of pellagra.