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Cachexia

Synonym(s)

  • cachectic
  • wasting

Definition(s)

State of general ill health characterized by malnutrition, weakness, and emaciation; occurs during the course of a chronic disease.

Definition from: CRISP Thesaurus via Unified Medical Language SystemThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. at the National Library of Medicine

General ill health, malnutrition, and weight loss, usually associated with chronic disease.

Definition from: MeSH via Unified Medical Language SystemThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. at the National Library of Medicine

General physical wasting and malnutrition usually associated with chronic disease.

Definition from: Merriam-Webster's Medical DictionaryThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference. by Merriam-Webster Inc.

Loss of body weight and muscle mass, and weakness that may occur in patients with cancer, AIDS, or other chronic diseases.

Definition from:  National Cancer Institute dictionaryThis link leads to a site outside Genetics Home Reference.

Related discussion in the Handbook

See also Understanding Medical Terminology.

 
Published: June 10, 2013