Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'marasmus'

English Word: marasmus

Key Russian Translations:

• марасм /mɐˈrazm/ - [Medical term; Formal]

Frequency: Low (This is a specialized medical term, rarely used in everyday conversation; more common in professional or academic contexts.)

Difficulty: C1 (Advanced; Requires familiarity with medical terminology and Russian grammar, as it is not part of basic vocabulary.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

марасм: /mɐˈrazm/

Note on марасм: The stress falls on the second syllable ('razm'), which is a common feature in Russian loanwords. Be careful with the rolled 'r' sound, as it can be challenging for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A form of severe malnutrition, especially in children, characterized by extreme emaciation and weakness.

Translation(s) & Context:

• марасм - Used in formal medical and scientific contexts to describe protein-energy malnutrition; often in discussions of child health or nutrition-related disorders.

Usage Examples:

• У ребенка развивается марасм из-за хронического недоедания.

  Translation: The child is developing marasmus due to chronic malnutrition. (This example shows the word in a diagnostic context, highlighting its use with verbs like "развивается" to indicate progression.)

• Врачи в больнице диагностировали марасм у пациента в отделении педиатрии.

  Translation: Doctors in the hospital diagnosed marasmus in the patient in the pediatrics department. (Here, it demonstrates the noun in a clinical setting, often with prepositional phrases for specificity.)

• Маразм может привести к серьезным осложнениям, если не лечить своевременно.

  Translation: Marasmus can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. (This illustrates its use in warnings or educational contexts, paired with modal verbs like "может привести".)

• В развивающихся странах марасм остается распространенной проблемой среди детей.

  Translation: In developing countries, marasmus remains a common problem among children. (This example shows the word in a broader socio-economic context, emphasizing its relevance in global health discussions.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Маразм" is a masculine noun (masc. inanimate) in Russian, following the standard third declension pattern for many loanwords. It has regular inflections based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The plural forms are less commonly used, as "марасм" typically refers to a condition in singular contexts. It does not change for gender or have verbal inflections.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: истощение (exhaustion, often used interchangeably in medical contexts), атрофия (atrophy, emphasizing muscle wasting)
• Antonyms: здоровая (health, as a general opposite concept, though not a direct antonym)

Explanation: "Истощение" is a close synonym with a broader application in fatigue or depletion, while "атрофия" highlights physical degeneration. These can be used depending on the specific nuance in medical descriptions.

Related Phrases:

• Маразм у детей (Marasmus in children) - A phrase used in pediatric medicine to discuss malnutrition-specific issues.
• Лечение маразма (Treatment of marasmus) - Refers to therapeutic approaches for the condition, often in clinical guidelines.
• Профилактика маразма (Prevention of marasmus) - Common in public health contexts, emphasizing nutritional interventions.

Usage Notes:

This translation corresponds directly to the English medical term "marasmus," which is a specific type of malnutrition. It is primarily used in formal, professional settings such as medical reports or academic papers, and should be avoided in casual conversation. When choosing between synonyms like "истощение," opt for "марасм" if the context is strictly nutritional. Grammatically, it functions as a nominative noun and requires correct case agreement in sentences, e.g., in genitive for possession.

Common Errors:

• Error: Mispronouncing "марасм" as /maˈrazm/ without the rolled 'r' or stressing the wrong syllable. Correct: Use /mɐˈrazm/ with a clear rolled 'r' and stress on the second syllable. Explanation: English speakers often overlook Russian phonetic rules, leading to confusion in communication.

• Error: Confusing "марасм" with "маразм" (which can mean senility or mental decline in non-medical contexts). Correct: In medical usage, stick to "марасм" for malnutrition; avoid crossover. Explanation: This mix-up can alter the meaning entirely, so context is key for learners.

Cultural Notes:

"Маразм" as a term is rooted in medical history, derived from Greek via Latin, and reflects Russia's influence from Western medicine. In Russian culture, discussions around malnutrition like marasmus often tie into broader social issues, such as historical famines or current public health challenges, emphasizing the word's role in humanitarian contexts rather than everyday language.

Related Concepts:

• рахит (rickets)
• кахексия (cachexia)
• недоедание (malnutrition in general)