pellagra

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pel·la·gra / pəˈlagrə; -ˈlāgrə; -ˈlägrə/ • n. a deficiency disease caused by a lack of nicotinic acid or its precursor tryptophan in the diet. It is characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea, and mental disturbance, and is often linked to overdependence on corn as a staple food.DERIVATIVES: pel·la·grous / -grəs/ adj.

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