sprue

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sprue (psilosis) (sproo) n. deficient absorption of food due to disease of the small intestine. tropical s. sprue that is characterized by diarrhoea (usually steatorrhoea), glossitis, anaemia, and weight loss; the lining of the small intestine is inflamed and atrophied. Treatment with antibiotics and folic acid is usually effective. See also coeliac disease, malabsorption.

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