Cacotrophic

/ˌkækəˈtrɒfɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or characterized by poor nutrition or malnutrition; caused by inadequate nourishment.

Etymology

From 'cacotrophia' with the adjectival suffix '-ic'. This allows the nutritional condition to be described as a property of various medical states or organisms.

Kelly Says

The adjective form 'cacotrophic' is particularly useful in ecology and biology—scientists use it to describe organisms in cacotrophic conditions, like plants struggling in poor soil.

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