1630s, “state of falling short, a lack or failing;” 1660s, “that in which a person or thing is deficient, inadequacy,” from Late Latin deficientia, from deficient-, present-participle stem of deficere “to desert, revolt, fail,” from de “down, away” (see de-) + combining form of facere “to do, make” (from PIE root *dhe- …

Which term means deficiency?

Definition of deficiency 1 : the quality or state of being defective or of lacking some necessary quality or element : the quality or state of being deficient : inadequacy suffers from a deficiency of critical thinking. 2 : an amount that is lacking or inadequate : shortage staffing deficiencies : such as.

What does the term deficiency disease mean?

Definition of deficiency disease : a disease (such as scurvy) caused by a lack of essential dietary elements and especially a vitamin or mineral.