How Do You Spell LATHYRISM?

Pronunciation: [lˈaθəɹˌɪzəm] (IPA)

Lathyrism is a medical condition caused by the consumption of a toxic legume, called Lathyrus sativus. The word is pronounced as /ləˈθaɪrɪzəm/ and is spelled with two syllables. The first syllable, "lath," is pronounced with a schwa sound /ə/, followed by the "th" sound /θ/. The second syllable, "yris," is pronounced with a long "i" sound /aɪ/ and the "s" sound /s/. This rare condition can cause paralysis and is prevalent in certain regions, such as Ethiopia and India, where this legume is a staple food.

LATHYRISM Meaning and Definition

1. Lathyrism is a medical condition characterized by a neuromuscular disorder caused by the excessive consumption of a legume called Lathyrus sativus, commonly known as the grass pea. This condition is primarily associated with malnutrition and occurs predominantly in regions where this crop is a dietary staple due to its affordability and high nutrient content.

   The symptoms of lathyrism include muscle weakness and wasting, paralysis, difficulty in walking or maintaining posture, and a characteristic gait with an exaggerated swing of the leg. These symptoms are primarily attributed to the neurotoxic compound present in the grass pea, called β-N-oxalyl-amino-L-alanine (BOAA), which adversely affects the nervous system, particularly the motor neurons.

   If consumed in excess over a prolonged period, BOAA levels can accumulate in the body, leading to the development of lathyrism. It should be noted that this condition is not caused by the ordinary consumption of grass pea alone but rather by a diet predominantly consisting of it.

   The treatment of lathyrism involves both nutritional support and symptomatic management. Improvement in symptoms may occur with the elimination or reduction of grass pea intake and the adoption of a more balanced diet. Additionally, physiotherapy and muscle-strengthening exercises can aid in managing the motor disabilities associated with this condition.

2. Lupinosis; formerly thought to be a poisoning by flour adulterated with chick-pea (Lathyrus sativus or L. cicera), but now regarded as possibly a deficiency disease. The symptoms are nervous in character, tremors, spastic paraplegia, and paresthesias of various forms.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for LATHYRISM

• kathyrism
• pathyrism
• oathyrism
• lzthyrism
• lsthyrism
• lwthyrism
• lqthyrism
• larhyrism
• lafhyrism
• laghyrism
• layhyrism
• la6hyrism
• la5hyrism
• latgyrism
• latbyrism
• latnyrism
• latjyrism
• latuyrism
• latyyrism
• lathtrism

Etymology of LATHYRISM

The word "Lathyrism" has its origins in the Greek language. It is derived from the Greek word "lathyros", which means "pulse" or "pea". "Lathyrism" refers to a neurological disorder caused by the excessive consumption of the grass pea (Lathyrus sativus), which contains a toxin that affects the nervous system. This term was first coined in the early 19th century to describe the illness associated with the consumption of this legume.