Ariboflavinosis

/ˌeɪˌraɪboʊˌfleɪvɪˈnoʊsɪs/ noun

Definition

A nutritional disease caused by a deficiency of riboflavin (vitamin B2), leading to cracked lips, sore throat, and skin problems.

Etymology

From the prefix 'a-' meaning 'without,' combined with 'riboflavin' (vitamin B2) and the medical suffix '-osis,' literally meaning a condition of lacking riboflavin.

Kelly Says

This disease was common in poor communities eating only refined grains—riboflavin was stripped away during processing, which is why we now fortify flour with B vitamins!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.