starvation
starvation, widespread or generalized atrophy (wasting away) of body tissues either because food is unavailable or because it cannot be taken in or properly absorbed. See nutrition.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.
Citation Information
Article Title:
starvation
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
07 March 2025
Access Date:
November 14, 2026