Definition

A health condition that occurs when a person does not get enough riboflavin, leading to symptoms like sores in the mouth and skin problems.

Example

The doctor diagnosed her with ariboflavinosis after she complained of mouth sores and skin issues.

Conversation

Did you hear about that condition called ariboflavinosis?

No, I haven't! What is it?

It's a deficiency caused by not getting enough riboflavin, leading to mouth sores.

Wow, that sounds serious! I should make sure I'm eating enough vitamins.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ariboflavinosis is formed from "a-" (meaning without) and "riboflavin" (from Latin "riboflavinum", which is derived from "ribose" (a sugar) and "flavus" (meaning yellow)). The suffix "-osis" (meaning condition or disease) indicates a pathological condition. Therefore, ariboflavinosis refers to a condition caused by a deficiency of riboflavin, or vitamin B2, characterized by symptoms such as sore throat, redness and swelling of the lining of the mouth and throat, cracks or sores on the outsides of the lips (cheilosis), and at the corners of the mouth (angular stomatitis).

Memory Tip

Think of being 'without' ('a-') riboflavin, which is a vitamin that helps keep your body healthy. This helps you remember that ariboflavinosis is a condition caused by a lack of riboflavin.

Visually Confused Words