Pronunciation: [mˈasɪlənt] (IPA) 
The word "macilent," meaning excessively thin or emaciated, is spelled with a "c" instead of a "s" sound in its second syllable due to its Latin origin. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled as /məˈsɪl.ənt/. The "c" is pronounced as /s/ sound before the letter "i" and "e," resulting in a soft "s" pronunciation. This spelling corresponds with Latin lexical rules, where the letter "c" represents a soft "s" sound.
Macilent is an adjective that describes someone or something as extremely thin, lean, or emaciated. Derived from the Latin word "macilentus," which means thin or bony, it emphasizes a skeletal appearance or a lack of fleshiness. When used to describe a person, it refers to an individual who is noticeably underweight, gaunt, or skeletal in their physical form. Macilent can also depict something that is undernourished, meager, or lacking in substance.
This term often carries connotations of fragility, weakness, or poor health. It may be used to describe a person suffering from malnutrition, illness, or extreme hunger. Additionally, macilent can be utilized figuratively to describe something that lacks strength, robustness, or vitality, beyond its literal meaning of physical thinness. For instance, it can be used to describe a weak argument, a feeble attempt, or a flimsy structure.
The term macilent is commonly found in literature, particularly in works where writers aim to create vivid visual imagery. It serves as a powerful descriptive word that evokes a visceral response in the reader, allowing them to visualize the starkness and fragility associated with extreme thinness. By employing macilent, writers can create a sense of empathy, pity, or even horror, drawing attention to the physical or metaphorical implications of the term.
The word "macilent" has its origin in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word "macilentus", which means "lean" or "emaciated". In Latin, "macilentus" is formed from the root word "macies", which translates to "thinness" or "gauntness". This word eventually made its way into English, retaining its original meaning of being extremely thin or undernourished.
