atrophy

[ˈætrəfi]

atrophy Definition

• 1. a wasting away or progressive decline of a body part or tissue
• 2. a gradual decline in effectiveness or vigor due to underuse or neglect

Using atrophy: Examples

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

• Example

  The patient's muscles had atrophied after being bedridden for months.

• Example

  The company's profits began to atrophy due to poor management.

• Example

  Without regular exercise, the body will begin to atrophy over time.

atrophy Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for atrophy

• decay
• deterioration
• degeneration
• wasting
• decline

Antonyms for atrophy

• growth
• development

Phrases with atrophy

• brain atrophy

  a condition where the brain cells and connections shrink and weaken, leading to cognitive decline

  Example

  Brain atrophy is a common symptom of Alzheimer's disease.

• muscle atrophy

  a condition where the muscles waste away and weaken due to lack of use or other factors

  Example

  After breaking his arm, he experienced muscle atrophy in his injured limb.

• social atrophy

  a decline in social skills or relationships due to lack of use or practice

  Example

  Spending too much time alone can lead to social atrophy and difficulty interacting with others.

Origins of atrophy

from Greek 'atrophos', meaning 'ill-fed'

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Summary: atrophy in Brief

'Atrophy' [ˈætrəfi] refers to the wasting away or decline of a body part or tissue, or a gradual decline in effectiveness or vigor due to underuse or neglect. Examples include muscle atrophy and brain atrophy. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe social atrophy or the decline of skills or relationships due to lack of use. Synonyms include 'decay' and 'deterioration.'