short-gut syndrome, 1. any of the malabsorption conditions resulting from massive resection of the small bowel, the degree and kind of malabsorption depending on the site and extent of the resection. It is characterized by diarrhea, steatorrhea, and malnutrition. 2. a congenital disorder in which an infant’s intestine is too short or underdeveloped to allow normal food digestion. The child is maintained on parenteral nutrition until the intestine grows, develops further, or is replaced by surgical transplantation. A small child who becomes dependent on parenteral feeding may have to be taught chewing and swallowing processes when the short-gut syndrome is eventually corrected.