Pellagra

Pronunciation: /pɛˈlæɡrə/

Definitions of pellagra

noun a disease caused by a deficiency of niacin in the diet, characterized by skin lesions, gastrointestinal disturbances, and mental disturbances

Example Sentences

A1 Pellagra is a disease caused by a deficiency of niacin.

A2 Symptoms of pellagra include skin rashes, diarrhea, and mental confusion.

B1 Historically, pellagra was common in regions where people relied heavily on maize as a staple food.

B2 Treatment for pellagra involves niacin supplements and a balanced diet.

C1 Research has shown a link between pellagra and certain genetic mutations affecting niacin metabolism.

C2 Public health campaigns have successfully reduced the incidence of pellagra in many countries.

Examples of pellagra in a Sentence

formal Pellagra is a disease caused by a deficiency of niacin in the diet.

informal My great-grandmother suffered from pellagra when she was young.

slang I heard that pellagra was nicknamed the 'four Ds' disease back in the day.

figurative Neglecting self-care is like inviting pellagra into your life.

Grammatical Forms of pellagra

• plural: pellagras
• comparative: more pellagrous
• superlative: most pellagrous
• present tense: pellagra
• future tense: will pellagra
• perfect tense: has pellagraed
• continuous tense: is pellagraing
• singular: pellagra
• positive degree: pellagra
• infinitive: to pellagra
• gerund: pellagraing
• participle: pellagraed

Origin and Evolution of pellagra

First Known Use: 1735 year

Language of Origin: Italian

Story behind the word: The word 'pellagra' originated from Italian and was coined by Francesco Frapoli in the early 18th century.

Evolution of the word: Initially used to describe a disease characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia due to niacin deficiency, the term 'pellagra' has evolved to encompass a broader understanding of the condition and its causes.