How to Pronounce Kwashiorkor
Definition, meaning, and phonetic spelling
Kwashiorkor Pronunciation
kwah-shee-OR-kor
Stressed syllable in ALL CAPS · hyphens separate syllables
Syllable Breakdown
kwah
shee
OR
stress here
kor
4 syllables
What is Kwashiorkor?
A severe form of malnutrition caused by inadequate protein intake despite adequate calories, characterized by edema (swelling), a distended abdomen, skin changes, and impaired immune function. It is most common in young children during weaning in regions with food insecurity.
Questions About Kwashiorkor
How do you pronounce 'kwashiorkor'?
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Say it like this: kwah-shee-OR-kor. Break it into four syllables, and put the stress on the third syllable (OR). It might sound unfamiliar at first because it comes from a West African language, not from Latin or Greek like many medical terms.
What's the correct way to stress the syllables in 'kwashiorkor'?
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The emphasis goes on the third syllable: kwah-shee-OR-kor. A common mistake is stressing the first or second syllable instead, but the strong emphasis belongs on 'OR.' Practice saying the whole word with that pattern a few times to make it stick.
What are common mispronunciations of 'kwashiorkor'?
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People often say kwash-ee-or-KOR (stressing the last syllable) or KWASH-ee-or-kor (stressing the first syllable), but both are incorrect. The correct stress is on the third syllable: kwah-shee-OR-kor. The 'kwa' at the start rhymes with 'spa,' not with 'quash.'
Where does the word 'kwashiorkor' come from?
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This word comes from the Ga language, spoken in Ghana and West Africa. Unlike many medical terms that come from Latin or Greek, 'kwashiorkor' is borrowed directly from another language, which is why it might feel less familiar to English speakers.
How do you break 'kwashiorkor' into syllables?
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The word divides into four syllables: kwah-shee-or-kor. Each syllable flows into the next, and remembering this four-part breakdown can help you pronounce it more smoothly and with the correct stress on the third part.
Can you use 'kwashiorkor' in a simple sentence?
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Here's an example: "The doctor explained that kwashiorkor is a serious nutritional condition that affects growth and development in young children." This shows how the word might appear in medical conversation or educational materials.
Is there a short form or abbreviation for 'kwashiorkor'?
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The full word 'kwashiorkor' is used most often and doesn't have a standard short abbreviation like some other medical terms. You'll usually hear and read the complete word rather than a shortened version.
What does 'kwashiorkor' mean in everyday words?
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In simple terms, kwashiorkor refers to a severe lack of protein nutrition that causes swelling, belly distention, and other body changes. It's a medical word for a specific type of severe malnutrition that doctors and health workers need to identify and discuss clearly.