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thrive

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failure to thrive

A medical term used to describe an infant or young child who has experienced delays in physical growth, for a variety of possible reasons. I'm a bit concerned about little Howie's failure to thrive, so I want you to bring him back the office next week for further examination.

See also: failure, thrive

thrive (up)on something

to grow vigorously because of something. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) These plants thrive upon wet soil. Children thrive on love.

See also: on, thrive

thrive on

v.

To flourish by or as if by feeding on something: The bears thrived on a rich harvest of berries.

See also: on, thrive