dystrophy

[dis-truh-fee]

dystrophy Definition

• 1. a disorder in which an organ or tissue of the body wastes away
• 2. any of a number of disorders characterized by weakening, degeneration, or abnormal development of muscle

Using dystrophy: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "dystrophy" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder that weakens the muscles.

• Example

  Osteoarthritis is a type of joint dystrophy that causes the cartilage to break down.

• Example

  Retinal dystrophy is a group of inherited disorders that cause progressive vision loss.

dystrophy Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for dystrophy

• atrophy
• degeneration
• wasting

Phrases with dystrophy

• muscular dystrophy

  a genetic disorder characterized by progressive weakness and wasting of skeletal muscles

  Example

  Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common form of muscular dystrophy.

• facioscapulohumeral dystrophy

  a genetic disorder that affects the muscles of the face, shoulders, and upper arms

  Example

  Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy is one of the most common forms of muscular dystrophy.

• myotonic dystrophy

  a genetic disorder that affects the muscles and other body systems

  Example

  Myotonic dystrophy is the most common form of adult-onset muscular dystrophy.

Origins of dystrophy

from Greek 'dys-' meaning 'bad' + 'trophe' meaning 'nourishment'

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Summary: dystrophy in Brief

The term 'dystrophy' [dis-truh-fee] refers to a group of disorders characterized by weakening, degeneration, or abnormal development of muscle or organs. Examples include muscular dystrophy, osteoarthritis, and retinal dystrophy. 'Dystrophy' is often used in medical contexts and has formal synonyms like 'atrophy' and 'degeneration.'