atrophy
atrophy Lexical Profile
atrophy Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A gradual decline in size, strength, or function of a body part, tissue, or organ, typically caused by disease, lack of nourishment, or disuse.
"Extended bed rest can lead to significant muscle atrophy if physical therapy is not maintained."
A gradual decline in effectiveness, vigor, or quality due to neglect or underuse.
"The prolonged lack of investment resulted in the gradual atrophy of the region's public transit system."
• verb
To waste away, shrink, or degenerate in size and strength (of body tissue, muscles, or organs), typically due to disuse, injury, or poor nourishment.
"Without regular weight-bearing exercise in microgravity, an astronaut's leg muscles will quickly atrophy."
To gradually decline in effectiveness, vitality, or capability through neglect or lack of use.
"Her fluency in French began to atrophy after years of not speaking the language."
• Rhymes for atrophy
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 16th century from French atrophie or Late Latin atrophia, from Ancient Greek atrophia ('a wasting away'), formed from a- ('without') and trophe ('nourishment'), from trephein ('to nourish').